Rifle shooting with a sling?

[Bill_Rights]

I have heard that a carry-sling or shoulder sling can also be used to (I guess) steady a rifle for better marksmanship while shooting.

Can anyone explain the technique to me and what types of shooting (prone, bench-rest, etc.) it applies to?

Also, what type of sling works best for this technique and why? In one thread SwampWolf posted:

I am no fan of the "cobra" style sling that has the shoulder carry area flared out (hooded) to an exaggerated size. The "cobra" style sling might offer a little more carry comfort but they're a lot more unwieldy; they're heavier and they're almost impossible to use as an aid in shooting the rifle "slinged-up" so as to add stability (thus better accuracy) to the shooting position.

So what shape of sling does work? Also "slinged up" = hanging?

 

[peetee32]

check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaRCFpH27-w

 

[Jason_G]

The sling is your friend

Unfortunately a whole lot of folks don't think of a sling as anything other than a carrying strap for their long guns, but a sling can make tough shots a whole lot easier.

Two main types of sling techniques:

Hasty sling- quick and easy, good support

Loop sling- slower and a little tougher to get into with some slings, offers excellent support.

You can use a sling to steady your platform in any position.

Check these old WWII M1 training videos out. You'll see some excellent sling info.

Generally you'll want to have either a GI web sling or a M1907 leather sling for these types of uses. From what I hear, the guys at Appleseed emphasize proper sling use as well.

Jason

 

[cuervo]

If you are looking at carrying for hunting, a nylon sling that is quiet is best and you can use it as a "hasty" sling where you weave your arm through the sling while both points are attached to the rifle. This allows you to keep the sling loose for carrying but use the sling quickly for steadying the rifle.

For match shooting a Turner Saddlery 1907 leather sling is great. You are allowed to use the sling for sitting and prone positions. You can detach the sling from one point and tighten it around your arm for very good support.

The video mentioned above is very good.

 

[vicdotcom]

Ching sling is good one that I liked. Basically slings use isometrics to steady the rifle or arm.

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

 

[rondog]

Check these old WWII M1 training videos out. You'll see some excellent sling info.

Those are great videos! But man, are they long....

 

[Bill_Rights]

Thanks for answers!

Excellent help. Ain't THR great. I learned from the vidoes and your written comments.

You all may be interested in vicdotcom's reference to "isometrics". His comment caused me to remember something I read about proper use of bipods (I am OP so I can go OT!) (you can too).

Some training tells us to push forward with the left hand against the bipod mount at the underside of the front stock, just as both (I think) videos teach to push forward with the left hand against the front swivel/sling joint. Pushing forward against the fixed stop, whichever it is, sling or bipod, gives the isometric effect.

Here is how it looks for the Parker-Hale style bipod:

At the lower left in the photo is a piece Parker-Hale calls the "handstop". It attaches to the bottom of the fore stock with the metal stud pointing downrange to receive the bipod legs. The back of the handstop, pointing toward you, has this nice curved surface. It is designed to receive the hand, palm facing the dirt (or downrange), between the base of the thumb and forefinger. Then you push forward with the left hand/arm. There you have it: isometrics!