Who uses a sling?

[Tallinar]

I've noticed a trend in recent years. It seems that slings are being used less and less for actual shooting support, and more for just carring long guns around on the shoulder.

When I was younger, we were drilled on how to use slings correctly. It's been ages since I've seen folks use them at the range - with the exception of when I show up at an M1 match with a bunch of older gentleman shooting.

So who actually still uses a sling for shooting support these days? Either for range practice, competition, or while hunting?

EDIT: For poll, check all that apply. I suppose I should have taken out the word "only" in option #2.

 

[jwsracin]

i all way use my sling when shooting prone and when hunting

 

[ricebasher302]

I never knew there was a legitamate way to use a sling as a shooting support until well after I'd discovered it's uses for myself. I still use the technique to some degree, but so far, few experiences in the field have required the use of a sling as a shooting support. I typically kneel, rest on my outstretched thumb (with palm on tree, post, etc.) When the day comes, though, I'll be ready to use my sling! For what it's worth, I'm 25 and certainly not a war vet.

 

[prid93]

I have really been learning marksmanship through the use of competition air rifles...and with them the use of the sling. I try and put usable slings on all rifles that I don't shoot off of a bench. They are extremely useful, and a lot of fun. There's not much like prone shooting with irons and a sling .

 

[Fishslayer]

I always use the hasty sling shooting offhand.

 

[jmstevens2]

The Army did not push it to us, we talked about it and practiced it, but back then we were taught more volume of fire than accuracy on each shot. There are probably a group of us that way. The new fight and the Appleseed Project I think will change that over time.

 

[Gunner11]

Cant see how people can shoot properly without one. much better than a bipod especially when standing

 

[happygeek]

I had no idea how to use a sling and had never even heard of NPOA in relation to rifles until I went to a free Appleseed. I use a sling now, even used one on my last rifle qualification.

 

[wankerjake]

I never have...but I should. It's better than freehand, so I'm told. I just never remember to practice it.

 

[1911 guy]

I sling up if I have the chance. If not, just get an elbow under the rifle and let 'er rip.

 

[deerskinner69]

I always use a sling my dad always drilled us I'm only 27

 

[LoonWulf]

if my rifle has one i use it. if not...then ill get one LOL.

I sorta came across using a sling on my own, nobody i know uses one for shooting.

 

[usmarine0352_2005]

.

I use a sling when I hunt but take it off once I get to where I'm going to hunt.

 

[MtnCreek]

I've had people at the range look at me like I was nuts when they see me unhook the rear of my sling and push the loop up my arm. 99% of the slings I see on rifles are only good for throwing it over a shoulder. I will admit, I’m better off a bi-pod when shooting prone, but bi-pods can break. Once a Nation of rifleman…

 

[zdc1775]

About the only time I don't use a sling is when just casually plinking with .22's. I had no idea they were ever used for anything other that carrying a rifle until I joined the USMC though.

 

[BigN]

I don't like using a sling. The only time I use one is if I'm going to be going up in the climber so I can sling the gun across my back, other than that, there is no sling on any guns.

 

[Kendal Black]

I like the speed sling concept (CW or Ching). If you are not shooting a long string it works okay, and it is much quicker than the old leather and frog hooks, loop-em-up sling.

 

[wanderinwalker]

You can say that again!



100 yards with a Winchester 52, Redfield Olympic sights and a SLING.

I checked "always use the sling", even though I'm not much of a hunter. If I am practicing with a rifle with a sling, I'll use it. A word of warning though, TC Encore synthetic forends don't like to have much pressure put on them... And when I am shooting a rifle match, I am most certainly using my sling once we get out of offhand. (FYI, slings are not allowed for offhand shooting under NRA rules in smallbore and Highpower, and I'm reasonably sure they're not allowed under International rules either.)

 

[JohnM]

I learned the correct use of the military sling when I was about 15.
Haven't had a shooting sling for years, but use the standard sling on my sporting rifles as a support often. One of the reasons why I like to find nice soft and supple leather slings.

 

[Germster]

The Army didn't teach use of the sling because the magazine gets into the way. They did when shooting the old M-1 and Springfield.

You have to get used to using a sling, but when you do you will learn that it will make you shoot better. However, I too, never use one when shooting a rifle with a long magazine that hangs out below.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I forget to use my sling as a shooting aid sometimes... the run and gun style of Pueblo Tactical occasionally messes with my head.

But I have 1907 style slings on most of my rifles, and I use them.

 

[JohnM]

All my rifles have an internal magazine with a hinged floorplate to empty it.

 

[Welding Rod]

I prefer to use a sling when ever it is practical. As Jeff Cooper said, the purpose of shooting is getting hits.

 

[Salty1]

+1 for Appleseed, I went to an Appleseed weekend because I though it would be enjoyable and possibly pick up a few pointers. From that point on all my rifles have slings as I was amazed at the stability of the rifle with a properly adjusted sling and the accuracy improved dramatically from any shooting position. Appleseed made me a believer in what a sling can accomplish for a shooter....

 

[click clack]

I carry my gun with a sling while hunting.. I do not, nor do I understand how one would employ the use of sling while actually firing the gun? How would it help anything anyway?