Safari Sling/Barrel Band and Express Sights No Go

[PolymathPioneer]

I tried to post this on the Boonie Packer safari sling thread but the forum software response was the thread was old so I started a new thread. I tried the safari sling on my large bore hunting rifles, which are equipped with barrel bands and express sights (no scope) and it didn't work well for me. The problem was the safari sling interferes with the sight picture and/or gets caught on the express sights (rare but it happened a couple of times while testing). Therefore I would not currently recommend the safari sling for rifles so equipped (However please read below).

More information since original post: I went out and purchased Talon 1 inch swivels and re-adjusted the safari sling per the directions so that the slack of the two attachment loops is looser by about an inch (as stated in the directions) on the off hand side of the rifle (right handed shooter would be the right side of the rifle, left handed shooter the left side). The solid steel, one piece cast talon swivels provided a tighter grip for the attachment cords. Once I made this adjustment and loosened the sling the interference with the express sights was reduced. I will give this more of a workout in the field tomorrow and provide a follow-up post.

 

[Art Eatman]

If possible, a photo would be a Good Thing.

 

[hardluk1]

I love those Boone Packer Safari Slings. Used them for , not sure. 20+ years maybe. Got to be around the time they came out. Only way to carry when you have to and still have your rifle at the ready. Never would do a barrel band but that does seem popular on dangerous game rifles. Glad you changed to a more conventional sling point and all works well now.

 

[PolymathPioneer]

I tried to post this on the Boonie Packer safari sling thread but the forum software response was the thread was old so I started a new thread. I tried the safari sling on my large bore hunting rifles, which are equipped with barrel bands and express sights (no scope) and it didn't work well for me. The problem was the safari sling interferes with the sight picture and/or gets caught on the express sights (rare but it happened a couple of times while testing). Therefore I would not currently recommend the safari sling for rifles so equipped (However please read below).

More information since original post: I went out and purchased Talon 1 inch swivels and re-adjusted the safari sling per the directions so that the slack of the two attachment loops is looser by about an inch (as stated in the directions) on the off hand side of the rifle (right handed shooter would be the right side of the rifle, left handed shooter the left side). The solid steel, one piece cast talon swivels provided a tighter grip for the attachment cords. Once I made this adjustment and loosened the sling the interference with the express sights was reduced. I will give this more of a workout in the field tomorrow and provide a follow-up post.

Sorry it took me so long to get back on this, i.e. heavy work week. As part of my testing last weekend I went onto our property in Montana with one of my DGRs equipped with the previously described safari sling setup. All worked reasonably well until I purposely tried the rig out in some dense tall brush, (not African bush but tall enough for this test). The sling hung up in the brush. That being said, the sling was fine front carry and mounting the rifle to the shoulder for a longer shot (as long as the sling was plenty loose, otherwise it caught on the butt stock for me no matter the instructions that came with the sling). The sling was still a little distracting when sighting with express sights and the barrel band, but I could get used to that, but not in brush (or if a fast shot is required). Entering brush the sling should be removed, which is not different than any other sling with dangerous game in the bush. I also tried 1 inch safari swivels to see if that helped and it did not. I found the safari swivels difficult to remove compared to the talons when I wanted to loose the sling quickly. I am rushed right now but I will see if I can post some pictures at some point as a follow-up.

 

[hardluk1]

Well if you can't figure it out go the old fashoneway and just carry it. I used the same sling in florida hardwood swamps on a shoot gun with a bead site. I guess I just never payed attention to the material hang'n over the barrel. I also set the carry lenght high enough that when I went to shoulder I pushed out and up and the loop on the rear was pulled over the back of the stock. I did carry my firearms high on my chest with just enough slack to get it to my shoulder. When water got to high and duck'n under brush it just came off my shoulders pull the sling tight like a normal sling under the forearm and hold the firearm in your hand. Just sounds like your working to hard at it. If your in a close or confinded jarea ust hold the rifle. These slings to me worked best for covering ground standing up right and walking or stalking not bent over in heavy ot thick brush.

 

[PolymathPioneer]

Well if you can't figure it out go the old fashoneway and just carry it. I used the same sling in florida hardwood swamps on a shoot gun with a bead site. I guess I just never payed attention to the material hang'n over the barrel. I also set the carry lenght high enough that when I went to shoulder I pushed out and up and the loop on the rear was pulled over the back of the stock. I did carry my firearms high on my chest with just enough slack to get it to my shoulder. When water got to high and duck'n under brush it just came off my shoulders pull the sling tight like a normal sling under the forearm and hold the firearm in your hand. Just sounds like your working to hard at it. If your in a close or confinded jarea ust hold the rifle. These slings to me worked best for covering ground standing up right and walking or stalking not bent over in heavy ot thick brush.

Perhaps your right. I will try the out and up to see if it clears the recoil pad. I do like it for open field carry and the ability to sling it if I want etc. The added flexibility is quite nice. Like anything else, it is probably all practice.

 

[PolymathPioneer]

Final Safari Sling Thread Update

I used the safari sling throughout the 2011 hunting season in Montana and it worked perfectly. I would suggest to others to hang in there (as suggested to me) and you will find that the safari sling just works great. It is a matter of simply getting used to the safari sling. It is different but great. I have traversed the most difficult of terrain with the sling with two different rifles (both with express sights, which is how I hunt) and am extremely happy with results. Using express sights the sling needs to be a tad looser, yet it works, i.e. spot on with a 375 H&H.