Sling/strap question

J

jproaster

New member
Bought my first bolt gun today- ruger hawkeye all weather 308.
So two questions concerning slings:
1. Do you actually use the sling on this weapon for shooting stability; as opposed to just carrying the weapon? I learned a great deal about slings at a recent Appleseed event with my .22.
2. Is there a potential for the synthetic stock to bend with the use of a sling?

Thanks,
John
 
1. Yes. When you have no rest options and you need greater stability. My personal opinion is that your physical condition and ability to control your breathing come into greater play than the stability offered by a sling. Try it though... doesn't cost anything. ;)

2. Perhaps, in the extreme, or a really low quality stock, or a stock not properly inlet or fit in the first place.
Sling up and have someone drag a dollar bill between stock and barrel... hangs up anywhere?

Cheers,
C
 
I use a 1907 sling on my .22 squirrel rifle. It works well for shots when seated at the base of a tree. For my deer rifles I use a carry strap and have used it as a "hasty sling" for off hand or kneeling shots.
 
I would not be without a sling for shooting. Mu guns have military style 1.25 inch slings. A sling really does help, and in the sitting position gives you a pretty steady platform.
I never uses shooting sticks, and for the hunting I always did would not carry them.

Jerry
 
these days

Most folks (some who should know better) do not know how to "sling up" with an 'o7 sling. There are lots of folks who do a "hasty sling" with a carry strap that leaves a bit to be desired as well.

I saw a photo a while back of a U.S DM with an M14, and the darn '07 sling was on backwards!
 
If a target or critter is far enough away that I have to use something in order to hit it than by God I use something. Tree, fence post, bipod, shooting sticks etc. Slings are for carrying the gun on your shoulder as you drag a deer or coyote out.
 
Consider the Ching Sling

The problem with the conventional loop sling is not that it doesn't offer stability. It does, when done correctly, a properly sling supported prone position is nearly as solid as shooting off a bench. The problem is that it takes too long to "Sling In" to be practical in most hunting situations. The Ching sling offers much of the stability of a loop sling, with the speed of a hasty sling. My first line hunting rifle is a model 70 featherweight and the Ching sling set up with two attachment points forward of the receiver, just isn't a good fit.

A shooting sling is a great aid to stability provided you have time to use it. Consider looking at a Ching Sling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ching_sling

http://www.shottist.com/ching.htm

http://artoftherifle.blogspot.com/2011/08/loop-sling.html

http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/websling/webslinghelp.htm
 
The Ruger synthetic is one of the better factory stocks. It is just fine. If you are putting enough pressure on the stock with your sling to bend it, any other stock would do the same.
 
I sling my rifles because I use them for hunting. The reasons are as follows. Since I carry a lot into the field (pistol with holster, canteen, knife, first aid kit, and small fanny pack containing parachord, pencil, compass, key ring light, matches, spare ammo, and snack.) it gives me something to carry it with. It also helps steady those stand alone shots. Usually if there is a tree or something of the sort, I will use it to rest the rifle on. Shooting sticks are fine I suppose, but for me, I have enough to carry.
 
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