Did you sling your shotgun?

[cabinetman]

Hi all,

Ok, ok. I'm a newbie to the hunting scene and am enjoying learning about upland bird hunting....primarily pheasant. Anyway, I've hunted three times, now, and while out for 3-4 hours of hiking and working the dog, I've found myself wishing for a sling. Most of the time I'm shooting my 16 gauge Antonio Zoli sxs which has sling swivels attached.

What are your feelings? I've been told both no and yes in pretty much equal numbers. Is there some unwritten rule I'm not aware of??

Thanks!

Rome

 

[Dave McCracken]

Do as you wish, the Shotgun Police will not ticket you for either using a sling or not.

A slung shotgun takes a little longer to deploy when a surprise flush happens.

Most of mine have sling studs, but those used for birds scarcely get slung.

 

[Kahr carrier]

I like slings myself .

 

[Ewok_Guy]

A shotgun without a sling is like a handgun without a holster.

 

[stellarpod]

Please don't flame me for using the "T" word, but...

I've mounted an Eagle Tactical sling on my 1100. It allows carrying in a number of different configurations, including the traditional slung over the shoulder method. But, the beauty of this sling is the across-the-front method, with a quick release allowing the shotgun to be snapped to the shoulder fairly quickly. This method also allows you to completely release the shotgun on those occasions when you need both hands for something else - for instance opening a gate.

Admittedly, I have not tried using this setup in the field so I don't have any first-hand experience.

stellarpod

 

[cabinetman]

Well, now I know what I'm going to spend my gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods on......

After carrying my amittedly light shotgun around for 3 or 4 hours, you get tired of cradling it or hanging it over your shoulder. And, I'm no wimp, either. I'm a cabinetmaker and do my daily share of physical stuff. It's just that keeping the shotgun constantly at the ready is wearing. If I were out for a full day, it would be a real bother. So, a nice, wide sling with quick release would be the ticket, I think!

Thanks!

Rome

(TFL Graduate, too)

 

[Will Beararms]

I thought about sling my entry level Beretta Blackwing but the wood is just too pretty to do that. I got the O/U for it's pointing ability and I feel a sling would destroy that.

Now, for the rainy days and days when I am in Chest waders wading in the flooded hardwoods of South Arkansas chasing Mallards, I will have the 870 and sling.

I hunted Pheasants with a Browning BPS. At that time I pumped iron five days a week and it was like a feather. If you are getting birds, at least for me anyway, I don't notice it. When I am not getting birds I do. I know the Euros sling their O/U's but for upland shooting, a sling gets in my way.

 

[HS/LD]

I sling mine when it is not in the bedroom.

Regards,
HS/LD