Everything you need to know about slings and swivels for safaris and safari rifles

Might not find an original set but one of Uncle Mikes QD models would most likely fit.

odonata said:

The Remington 30-S used swivels like the ones below I believe. Good luck finding a pair:

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Aha !! I knew it, just never saw a picture of them. Thanks !! Now I know what to look for at the very least. So that was back in the 1930s, that must have predated the current standard Uncle Mikes type with the narrower studs.

I dont know if anyone had mentioned the blue force gear sling, but they adjust with a sliding buckle just like the Dick Murry slings and are tight against the rifle instantly when needed. I have them on a few rifles I really Ike them.

Cheet 503

I have three leather slings (a 45mm, 65mm & a Wilderness) from Els Fine Leather in RSA. I got them mainly because I liked the way they looked & the hand-crafted quality. But going out to their website to get the link above, I noticed that their price had skyrocketed. Ouch! I'm glad I got them after visiting the Stellenbosch region a few years ago because I don't think my modest budget would allow them now.







The other sling I use on my Ruger 275 is from NECG. It what seems to be a common theme, its price has gone up 50% from a few years ago as well.

Has anyone tried the quick shortening montana sling? I had one on a marlin guide gun for a long time.

Foxfyre said:

Has anyone tried the quick shortening montana sling? I had one on a marlin guide gun for a long time.

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I have Montana slings on all my rifles. My only complaint is it's too short to use the sling as a support.

Why do I find this thread "after" I search everywhere for sling designs and I’ve made my sling now, oh well.
Gumpy

wesheltonj said:

I have Montana slings on all my rifles. My only complaint is it's too short to use the sling as a support.

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The sling from Murray Custom Leather is easily adjustable and extremely quiet. I chose to send him a set of Talon sling swivels because they can be removed more quickly and make zero noise. Highly recommend.

I like my Murray Clinton my 375.

Contrary to what Rookhawk said my PH has said I should have a sling on my rifle if possible. My guess is because of the safety angle when carrying.

Which brings me to a challenge. My Chapuis double rifle came with sling studs but they are not installed. The barrel end has plugs in the screw holes but the stock is not drilled. So I have the dilemma of whether I should have the studs installed. And if so who do I trust to drill a hole in my lovely wooden stock.

When I said it would have to get studs installed the PH said don’t mess up your stock but a sling is very handy on long stalks.

I like the looks of it without studs but I’m a form follows function guy at heart.

So should I have the stock drilled or not? And does anyone have a recommendation of someone in the mid-Atlantic that could do a good job of it without keeping the gun for months?

Foxfyre said:

Has anyone tried the quick shortening montana sling? I had one on a marlin guide gun for a long time.

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I use and really like the Montana sling. I also have Murray leather, but I prefer the Montana.

Russ16 said:

I like my Murray Clinton my 375.

Contrary to what Rookhawk said my PH has said I should have a sling on my rifle if possible. My guess is because of the safety angle when carrying.

Which brings me to a challenge. My Chapuis double rifle came with sling studs but they are not installed. The barrel end has plugs in the screw holes but the stock is not drilled. So I have the dilemma of whether I should have the studs installed. And if so who do I trust to drill a hole in my lovely wooden stock.

When I said it would have to get studs installed the PH said don’t mess up your stock but a sling is very handy on long stalks.

I like the looks of it without studs but I’m a form follows function guy at heart.

So should I have the stock drilled or not? And does anyone have a recommendation of someone in the mid-Atlantic that could do a good job of it without keeping the gun for months?

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Something like this would be an option, but it would add wear to the blueing on the barrels. Not sure which you would consider the lesser of two evils...drilling the stock or wear on the blueing.

I run the Trader Keith ‘carry strap.’

Betterinthebush said:

I use and really like the Montana sling. I also have Murray leather, but I prefer the Montana. View attachment 753638

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Nice ram

The A-Sq rifles (and some other customs of the day) used the Pachmayr-style setup. I found it difficult to get parts (and always felt as if this design was going to cause the rifle to drop oneday-'never did), but Millet and Lyman for a time made Q/D studs (w/ spring/ball locks) that fit "upside down" into the ID of the flush-mounted Pachmayr "stud receivers," basically threaded tubing inserted flush with the stock, with an inner groove the balls locked into. I found that some tactical company adopted the design and they continued to sell the entire setup for those that chose it. It does connect/disconnect faster than other designs, for whatever application that might be desired. I far prefer either the low-profile or conventional studs w/ UM's-style Q/D sling mounts, but I'm guessing Art Alphin chose these because his guns were large, and this design can handle heftier rigs. I remember the days of using a properly-adjusted sling as a shooting aide (and as mentioned above, several designs are too short for same)! *I do have some UM's setups (slings & hardware) that are at the end of the road after 30+ years of continuous use (tearing at loops and spring mechanisms weakening, causing the connection to flare out and is no longer tight). Inspect them, so that you don't drop your prized possessions!!

Jack Stevens said:

I run the Trader Keith ‘carry strap.’

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I looked at these when I was at SCI this year and had a nice chat with Keith. He's not in the best of health but was still going strong.

Got the Trader Keith on both of my serious rifles. Absolutely no slip, plus a classic look. No way I’m hunting without a sling. Not on a tracking hunt that might last all damn day.

Does anyone make quality slings out of elephant, hippo, buff or giraffe etc. hides?? Those might be nice, and tough!

The one I made. It’s adjustable to be used over the shoulder or, with some para cord , as a safari sling. The colour is meant to be burgundy but for some reason ended up more red than I wanted. There’s a fair bit of leather in it but it’s not too heavy, but I’m also not capable of walking great distances anymore
Gumpy

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Grumpy gumpy said:

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The one I made. It’s adjustable to be used over the shoulder or, with some para cord , as a safari sling. The colour is meant to be burgundy but for some reason ended up more red than I wanted. There’s a fair bit of leather in it but it’s not too heavy, but I’m also not capable of walking great distances anymore
Gumpy

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Did you use vintage hooks, or reproductions?