A really good rifle sling: Slogan Ultraflex

[375 Ruger Fan]

You don't hear too many people asking, "hey, what type of rifle sling do I need?" It's usually an afterthought or you simply switch an old sling from rifle to rifle. A few years ago while on a Montana elk hunt, I was impressed with a rifle sling the outfitter had. (you ever notice outfitters, PHs, guides usually have good gear).

The sling is Slogan Ultraflex. I had never heard of them, not that many slings are marketedd much and known by name brand. Check them out and look at the videos for each product. I bought a regular and a magnum one and like them a lot. For hiking in rough terrain, they really stay on your shoulder. It also has some shock absorbing effect to it, which gives the shoulder and break a bit of a break. The only thing I don't like is the swivels are not the quick connect like an Uncle Mikes. I emailed Slogan and gave them the feedback on the swivels and actually emailed me back. Didn't change them, but a reply was nice. If you had this sling on a DG rifle and wanted to quickly remove the sling, the swivels are threaded type and take a few seconds longer.

http://www.bigbearhunt.com/SloganOutdoors/products.html

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...review-slogan-outdoors-ultraflex-rifle-sling/

 

[Rob404]

I used a Speciality Outdoors Sling when I traveled to SA a few years Back, It.s basically the same sling (even built in the same state Hmm) I liked the idea of being able to free up both hands when needed

 

[Art Lambart II]

I've use the ultraflex sling for years it's the best sling i've ever used

 

[CAustin]

I actually use a Ruger Sling on my DG rifles! They have the quick disconnect swivels.
Now what I gave been watching and found out this past year that I liked is no sling at all. I carried my Guide Gun like the PHs carry the doubles. Just throw it over your shoulder with the stock and barrel balanced across the shoulder.

 

[CAustin]

Posted this before but my front swivel lost a screw where the leather folds over so I just took the whole thing off!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Charlie, that must have really scared the you know what out of your Guide Gun to be carried like that, because it peed all over your back.

 

[Shootist43]

I have one Standard and one Magnum version of this sling installed on the rifles I'm taking to SA in August for a PG hunt. This sling keeps my rifles in place, i.e. less tendency to slip off my shoulder while walking. Properly set up, they assist in controlling the muzzle when shooting off-hand. I have the Standard version on a synthetically stocked Swedish Mauser and the Magnum version on my much heavier 35 Whelen with a laminated stock.

 

[JGRaider]

The slogan sling is what I use on my rifles, including the one I've taken to Africa. They work as advertised, and actually make the rifle feel lighter than it really is. I'm very impressed.

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

I just ordered one, based on the testimonials here.

But I must disagree on one point. I don't like the Uncle Mike's quick-disconnect swivels. On a sheep hunt I was, when an Uncle Mike's decided to uncouple, all on its own, dumping my rifle, scope and all, onto the rock I was standing next to. The barrel took the main hit; fortunately, the crown was undamaged. If the rock hadn't been there, my rifle would have gone clattering halfway down the mountain.

After that, I switched to the screw-tightening swivels. And regularly check their tightness on a hunt.

 

[MichaelTQS]

I bought 2, because everything up until now was lighter than 10lbs and the knowledge base here has more experience with heavier rifles.

I have 1 on my Win mod 70, and the only thing concerning me is the threads on the screw, and wear from carrying the rifle. Has anyone messed up the threads bad enough the sling couldn't be unscrewed or tightened?

Im seriously considering just loosening the screw and using the red locktite after setting them where I like as far as tension on the screws

 

[bassasdaindia]

I actually use a Ruger Sling on my DG rifles! They have the quick disconnect swivels.
Now what I gave been watching and found out this past year that I liked is no sling at all. I carried my Guide Gun like the PHs carry the doubles. Just throw it over your shoulder with the stock and barrel balanced across the shoulder.

Charlie , I agree , I haven't used a sling for years now , I find that it also gets in the way when shooting off the sticks .

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Charlie , I agree , I haven't used a sling for years now , I find that it also gets in the way when shooting off the sticks .

I don't disagree with this, however some PHs require a client to have a sling on their rifle for safety reasons. I know when I hunted with John Sharp in Zim, he required it. It's a much safer way to carry a loaded rifle.

 

[CAustin]

I don't disagree with this, however some PHs require a client to have a sling on their rifle for safety reasons. I know when I hunted with John Sharp in Zim, he required it. It's a much safer way to carry a loaded rifle.

If the PH wants me to use I will, but going forward I think no sling in Africa!

 

[CAustin]

Charlie , I agree , I haven't used a sling for years now , I find that it also gets in the way when shooting off the sticks .

Larry I think your right!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Something I am going give a try is a single point system. Lots of military guys that have to tote an AR all day, every day, use a single point system. Essentially a sling that is diagnally across the body and just connect to the rear of the stock. This makes for carrying the weapon in a safe, muzzle down position, yet allows to bring it to bear quickly. Nothing connected to the forearm part of the stock. The single point sling gives you the best of both worlds. Look at the video on the Slogan Outdoor website for the Pro Tactical Ultraflex 3 Positional Sling, when it's used in the single point mode.

 

[MichaelTQS]

IMO
You have to consider the situation where a single point sling works and the rifle its attached too. The M4 has a 14 inch barrel, is much lighter than most big game rifles as well as a foot shorter.

The single point works if you never sit down , if you do the rifle which is attached to you suddenly becomes a pita, or if you bend to pick something up that requires the use of both hands the rifle goes muzzle first into the ground.

Its ok if you use it in those circumstance, but hunting, I hate having a rifle slopping around on a chest carried sling.

I situations like tracking or in heavy bush work the sling catches on everything, the rifle is less maneuverable and I encourage using one in real hunting before locking yourself into one. Where it works best is where you see the pictures of military using them. Open areas where it isn't a liability, once heavy maneuvering happens they get unhooked quickly as the fixed sling becomes more a hinderance than a help.

YMMV of course

 

[Desert Dog]

I have 2 of the Specialty Outdoors version of this sling, and have hunted with them extensively. The are fantastic at staying on your shoulder, and the ability to cross a strap over the head when glassing, climbing, or crawling is a HUGE asset. It is just as quick to get off and into shooting position as any other 2-point carry strap. This sling also works fantatsic to steady the rifle offhand. I also like simple nylon and leather carry straps if I don't plan on walking all day.

Honestly, it looks cool in pictures, but I have never been a fan of slinging the rifle over the shoulder to complete the "Great White Hunter" look. It really is no faster to get into shooting position than a carry strap. During a stalk in thick brush, are you guys honestly fighting with your slings enough to not want one??? I have never had this issue, and think the benefits of a carry strap far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. I can see the benefit of never wanting a rifle on sling when stalking dangerous game, so perhaps folks are emulating an Ivan Carter elephant hunt while the shoot their impala with their 270. And yes, i'm gonna bring this up; I cringe every time I watch the cable TV hunting shows proudly showcasing hunters on their African hunting vacations covering everybody in the group with the muzzle of a loaded firearm while resting on their shoulder. In fact, it is pretty much almost impossible not to. I even see the PHs cover the trackers on these shows! You watch these same American hunting show hosts use slings on every hunt when they are filming hunts back in the states or in Europe, lol. We all throw the gun over our shoulder once in a while (like when we squat or cross water), but muzzling your PH while trying to follow in his footsteps is unsafe IMO. I am surprised African PHs let people do that. PHs here probably wouldn't stand for that. Sorry if that offends anyone.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Desert Dog: I agree with your comments. The PH I hunted with in Zim, John Sharp, had it written in the contract that a client will carry his rifle with a sling, on their shoulder. No exceptions.

My original post in starting this thread stated the one thing that I didn't like about the Slogan Sling was the threaded type swivels. If you wanted to get rid of the sling quickly, for hot pursuit into the bush on the wound critter (just like on TV!) some quick connect swivels might work better.

My elk hunting guide in Montana has evolved his rifle safety policy over the years to his current method on not allowing a client to chamber a round until told to do so. While this works in Montana, probably not a good idea in Africa. But I think it points out that safety should be everyones top concern.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Received an email today from Slogan Outdoors about a sale. It's only $5 off, but not bad for a $40 sling. Also, a few new products.

http://promo.sloganoutdoors.com/

 

[Philip Glass]

Thanks for this thread. The sling is overlooked and many of us just buy whatever is on the shelf. To sling or not to sling depends on the hunt and circumstances. I always take a sling whether I use it or not just depends.
Now I've got to go buy some new slings. Thanks a lot!!!
Philip