Recommend a rifle sling for girlfriend's "heavy" rifle

[MCMXI]

I bought my gf a Viking Tactics VTAC Wide Padded Sling "Upgraded" for Christmas last year for her heavy barreled FN chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua. I bought the same sling for myself and like it. However, she used it for a 2-1/2 day Sniper/Survival course this past weekend and figured out that she doesn't like it. I told her that I'll put it on another of my rifles and get her something else. I don't feel like buying ten different slings over the next year so does anyone have any suggestions? She said that the sling was too long and wouldn't stay put on her shoulder. Her rifle is heavy at around 15lb. Thanks and here's her rifle. The scope and magazines have been dipped to match and a bubble level added.

 

[WardenWolf]

She couldn't adjust it? Normally slings are too long and too loose on the shoulder because they aren't adjusted properly. It could also have to do with what she was wearing. That said, it helps if we know what size she is.

Also, very nice looking rifle.

 

[MCMXI]

WardenWolf, She's been around firearms (hunting & tactical) for a long time (has a muzzle brake patent even) and has a good head on her shoulders so I didn't question her comments. I'll take a look at the sling tonight to see if she missed something but it does seem to be a long sling. As to her size, she's around 5'-8" and a size 8, fairly broad shouldered and athletic. I'm checking out TAB slings at present but it's be a crap shoot if I ordered one.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Does she shoot using the sling or only use it to transport the rifle?

 

[MCMXI]

98% of the time to carry the rifle. She wasn't allowed to use the sling to carry the rifle during many of the exercises this past weekend. When she was allowed to us the sling she took advantage of it to save her arms but wan't happy with how the rifle carried with it.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Good lord that's heavy, bet it shoots lights out though. How far is she toting it typically?

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

98% of the time to carry the rifle.

Take a look at 1.25" Montana slings. Unless you really just want a nylon sling, they are dang good for toating a gun around. Very easy to quick adjust.

 

[Nature Boy]

MCMXI

I've gone to putting a M1907 pattern sling on most every rifle I own.

 

[MCMXI]

Good lord that's heavy, bet it shoots lights out though. How far is she toting it typically?

Yes, it's a tack driver and I honestly can't shoot her rifle as well as she does. That said, I shot the 5-shot group below last week using her rifle since I wanted to make sure that the anneal was good before I spent four hours putting together 120 rounds for her. This would be an average group for her. She carries the rifle anywhere from 1 to 10 miles. She packed it a lot this past weekend since they covered many, many miles over 2-1/2 days.

 

[MCMXI]

Take a look at 1.25" Montana slings. Unless you really just want a nylon sling, they are dang good for toating a gun around. Very easy to quick adjust.

I have the 1" and 1-1/4" versions of those slings and will let her try them. In fact, my favorite hunting rifle (.375 H&H Talkeetna) wears the 1-1/4" Montana sling and I agree that it's a very good sling. However, my Talkeetna "only" weighs 9lb with the scope.

Nature Boy,
I'm not too familiar with that sling although I have a leather sling on my Lee Enfield that might be an M1907 style. It was made by an old shooter back in Hawaii who I used to shoot with. He gave me a great price since the sling has a visual defect in it somewhere.

 

[WardenWolf]

What about a good old-fashioned padded leather sling like this? http://www.cabelas.com/product/winc...ader%3BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=padded+sling

Leather is "grippy" and will tend to not move around as much, while at the same time being less harsh on the skin than nylon.

One of these classic Torels are a great choice, too. I have one on one of my heavier rifles (came off one of my father's guns that I sold for him). The padding is very good. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Torel-4750-...646154?hash=item3d18c62e0a:g:29AAAOSwJQdW-YNJ

 

[Jackal]

Have a sewing machine? Shorten the sling.

 

[taliv]

1907 is a shooting sling. Suuuuucks for carry.

I use the Armageddon gear sling.
The tab is good but very heavy. Huge overbuilt metal buckles etc. no bungie
The TIS quick cuff is also good and I used one of those for a long time. Not a great carry along though

One thing for her to consider is a biathlon style sling where she basically puts both arms through and carries like a backpack with rifle in center.

Another option is an eberlestock pack which I use a lot

To be honest 95% of the time i throw my rifle over my shoulder. It's comfortable but isn't hands free

 

[agtman]

MCMXI: great looking rifle ... What make/model is it?

 

[Sav .250]

She doesn`t like it ? More details would be helpful. If she didn`t like it there has to be reasons. J s/n.

 

[MCMXI]

MCMXI: great looking rifle ... What make/model is it?

It's an FN model with a custom barrel and a Manners stock (I think). Here are some better photos taken this morning showing the sling. The sling is set up on the rifle to carry with the rifle hanging in front in the low ready position. I agree with my gf that the sling is long but it looks like I can adjust some of the length out of it. Also, I'll reverse the sling for her so that it's more comfortable for over the shoulder carry and see if that helps.

 

[MCMXI]

taliv, thanks for the comments and suggestions. I was actually considering a TAB biatholon sling for myself to use with my AI rifles. I'll look into the products that you suggested.