Old guy tip. Carrying your rifle.

[thumper]

As I got older, I found that being less flexible, I fumbled around a bit when trying to slide my rifle off my shoulder - especially when wearing bulkier (warmer) hunting clothes than I used to. This delay, noise and movement caused me to miss out on some shooting opportunities. I was certainly no longer a 'snap shooter'. And now, being a little more slope shouldered, to keep my rifle from always 'creeping' off its shoulder perch, I even tried sewing a large button up there to 'hold' the rifle sling in position a little better. I also found that with the rifle on my shoulder, it was snagging more overhead branches, as I don't duck and weave through the brush as flexibly as I used to. I also started carrying a bipod for steadier shots, which doubled as a walking stick as I'm not as steady over rough ground as I once was. But then holding my rifle in one hand and an aluminum bipod/walking staff in the other wasn't working too well either, plus - those items conduct the cold to your hands!

Luckily, I stumbled across the 'Safari Sling' a few years ago. This cross-body sling (like carrying a pouch) keeps your rifle slung in front of you - always in the 'ready' position, requiring far less time and movement to 'get on target'. It's easier to thread your way through brush, doesn't seem to weigh down your shoulder as much, frees up both of your hands (for using binoculars, stepping over logs, grabbing saplings to climb hills), you're not continually 'hitching up' a rifle slung on your shoulder, or catching it when it slips off. Your rifle action and scope is always right there, in front of you - making it much handier to check if you have a cartridge in the pipe, safeties position, and what magnification your scope is set to. (Us old guys like to double, & triple check these things...)

Downsides? - Well if you're not hunting alone, you need to watch your muzzle control more closely, as the rifle sits horizontally, pointed on an angle towards the front - perhaps where your partner might be. The slide/on/off rear stock attachment takes a little getting used to when mounting/dismounting your rifle. Putting the sling on/off over your head, instead of just on/off your shoulder, when crossing fences and such is a bit more of a production. (but then we know all about 'getting ready' productions - dentures, hearing aids, 2 pairs of glasses, morning pills etc). Don't eat with it on, or you'll drop crumbs all over your action! And - they're more of a simple military-looking thing - no heirloom, fine-tooled leather appeal! Fine for a synthetic rifle stock, -not so nice looking on a treasured wood one!

But on the whole, the Safari Sling has improved my hunting experience significantly. Mine's a 'Booney Packer', but I think other makers are available.

[obsessed1]

I have been down that route....My set up is pretty dialed now. When wearing a pack my gun is clipped right to the shoulder straps and can be shot while slung. When not wearing a pack my rifle is slung front low ready carry in a simple sling attachment setup that allows hands free carry and able to shoot without unslinging.

[Bigbentley]

Looks like a great idea! Think I'll give one a shot.
Been hunting a lot of bush this year and really need something more efficient than a typical sling when my hands are needed elsewhere.

[BuckCuller]

I use a blue force gear vickers sling that I swap between rifles when I want to front carry.
With the vickers you can adjust the sling with a pull strap for a steady hold for off hand shooting.
Viking tactics also makes them.

[Positrac]

Hey Thumper, I too am a big proponent of the Safari sling and have used one for as long as I can remember. It’s the only way to go in my mind when putting a ton of miles on out of the truck and I’ve converted a lot of friends over to using one. The warning about muzzle direction is a valid one because your rifle sits horizontal and as you spin around so does the direction the barrel is pointed.

I’ll give some advice that has worked well for me over the years but is nothing that most guys don’t already know; know which way the wind is blowing and keep it in your face. Sounds simple but most guys I’ve hunted with couldn’t tell you which way the wind is as blowing unless it was gale force. For 30 years I’ve taped a foot long piece of thread to the end of my barrel. With a safari sling the barrel is always where you can see it and at a glance you can tell what way the wind is blowing. As you mentioned, moving your rifle up to a shooting position is one fluid motion.

The only down-side to a Safari sling is that they are getting harder to find these days...

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by Positrac

Hey Thumper, I too am a big proponent of the Safari sling and have used one for as long as I can remember. It’s the only way to go in my mind when putting a ton of miles on out of the truck and I’ve converted a lot of friends over to using one. The warning about muzzle direction is a valid one because your rifle sits horizontal and as you spin around so does the direction the barrel is pointed.

I’ll give some advice that has worked well for me over the years but is nothing that most guys don’t already know; know which way the wind is blowing and keep it in your face. Sounds simple but most guys I’ve hunted with couldn’t tell you which way the wind is as blowing unless it was gale force. For 30 years I’ve taped a foot long piece of thread to the end of my barrel. With a safari sling the barrel is always where you can see it and at a glance you can tell what way the wind is blowing. As you mentioned, moving your rifle up to a shooting position is one fluid motion.

The only down-side to a Safari sling is that they are getting harder to find these days...

I use a thread too, it’s short but enough to remind me that just because I have a gun doesn’t mean the wind isn’t a factor.

[nelsonob1]

Originally Posted by Positrac

The only down-side to a Safari sling is that they are getting harder to find these days...

Great thread. I have been having the same slipping issue myself and thought about the Safari sling but couldnt find one.

I did come across a sling clip that fastens to your pack strap that helps lock the regular sling in place. If i can find a pic i will try and post.

[CNP]

Originally Posted by BuckCuller

I use a blue force gear vickers sling that I swap between rifles when I want to front carry.
With the vickers you can adjust the sling with a pull strap for a steady hold for off hand shooting.
Viking tactics also makes them.

I use the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling also. Carrying a sling over one shoulder is really nothing more than something that is severely lacking and just begging for improvement.

So I use the BFG Vickers, with the rifle slung in front of me for quick use, it cannot slide off and stays where it is put.

If I'm also carrying a large pack I use a Kifaru Gun Bearer that also allows carrying your rifle in front of you.

https://www.blueforcegear.com/vickers-sling