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Dave McC · November 19, 2001, 06:13 AM

Since someone asked in an E mail, I figured I'd cover a few things about slings and carry.

I'll leave the so called "Tactical" slings alone, There's other folks with much more experience with them.

On HD shotguns, there's little need for a sling. They tend to snag on things,possibly at a horribly wrong time. And, one does not usually need nor want to put the weapon down for a while under those circumstances.

But, HD shotguns should also be WIHTF tools outside the house, in case of civil unrest, natural or un-natural disaster, or Al Queda in the 'hood. These may badly need to be slung.

Consider the words of Horace Greeley....

"No man should treasure nor hold dear more than he can carry clutched to his chest at a dead run, for he may have to one day"....

And believe me, carrying a shotgun at a fast pace across broken terrain is loads easier if it's slung. And then, your hands are free to use as needed.

Slings other than Tactical ones fall into either the sporting "Cobra" type or the military strap style. I prefer the QD style swivels and studs for convenience, tho some rattle. I use both styles of slings interchangeably, with some differences in carry style.

And while I preach the virtues of extra ammo, the bandolier sling is a POC. All those shells swinging during fast handling has a pendulum effect that must be experienced to be believed, but some folks do not survive the experience. I exhort you to shun the bandoliers.

As to whether the studs should be on the bottom or side, personal choice comes in here also. Neither, IMO, has a clear advantage. Use what you like. I prefer bottom studs. No bad jokes, please, this is a family bb.

There's two main styles of carry for general purposes. First is the common one, weapon slung over the strong side shoulder, pointing up.

Second, what they call African carry. The weapon is slung over the support side shoulder, pointing down. The support side hand grasps the forearm, controlling the weapon and ready to bring it into play if needed. I find this one faster and safer, but I'm tall and use short shotguns mostly. Either method works,but as when carrying any weapon (or even if not) Condition Yellow is called for.

And of course, the muzzle and bbl should be checked if they even come close to contacting the ground or whatever.

TIP: sew a large button on top of the shoulder area of your hunting coat to keep the sling on the shoulder.

And, learn to increase your field accuracy by using a hasty sling method.

Mount your shotgun. The sling will hang below the weapon. Insert your support side elbow and push it forward until the sling is tight and you're in shooting position. Note how much less you're wavering.

This does not work quite as well with pumps, but since the first shot is more important in hunting than a fast repeater, it's a good tradeoff.

HTH....

November 19, 2001, 06:13 AM	#1
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Slings and studs... Since someone asked in an E mail, I figured I'd cover a few things about slings and carry. I'll leave the so called "Tactical" slings alone, There's other folks with much more experience with them. On HD shotguns, there's little need for a sling. They tend to snag on things,possibly at a horribly wrong time. And, one does not usually need nor want to put the weapon down for a while under those circumstances. But, HD shotguns should also be WIHTF tools outside the house, in case of civil unrest, natural or un-natural disaster, or Al Queda in the 'hood. These may badly need to be slung. Consider the words of Horace Greeley.... "No man should treasure nor hold dear more than he can carry clutched to his chest at a dead run, for he may have to one day".... And believe me, carrying a shotgun at a fast pace across broken terrain is loads easier if it's slung. And then, your hands are free to use as needed. Slings other than Tactical ones fall into either the sporting "Cobra" type or the military strap style. I prefer the QD style swivels and studs for convenience, tho some rattle. I use both styles of slings interchangeably, with some differences in carry style. And while I preach the virtues of extra ammo, the bandolier sling is a POC. All those shells swinging during fast handling has a pendulum effect that must be experienced to be believed, but some folks do not survive the experience. I exhort you to shun the bandoliers. As to whether the studs should be on the bottom or side, personal choice comes in here also. Neither, IMO, has a clear advantage. Use what you like. I prefer bottom studs. No bad jokes, please, this is a family bb. There's two main styles of carry for general purposes. First is the common one, weapon slung over the strong side shoulder, pointing up. Second, what they call African carry. The weapon is slung over the support side shoulder, pointing down. The support side hand grasps the forearm, controlling the weapon and ready to bring it into play if needed. I find this one faster and safer, but I'm tall and use short shotguns mostly. Either method works,but as when carrying any weapon (or even if not) Condition Yellow is called for. And of course, the muzzle and bbl should be checked if they even come close to contacting the ground or whatever. TIP: sew a large button on top of the shoulder area of your hunting coat to keep the sling on the shoulder. And, learn to increase your field accuracy by using a hasty sling method. Mount your shotgun. The sling will hang below the weapon. Insert your support side elbow and push it forward until the sling is tight and you're in shooting position. Note how much less you're wavering. This does not work quite as well with pumps, but since the first shot is more important in hunting than a fast repeater, it's a good tradeoff. HTH....