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Author Topic: preferred rifle sling  (Read 5302 times)

Offline vandeman17

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preferred rifle sling
« on: June 14, 2021, 02:11:16 PM »
Do any of you guys run slings similar to the Kifaru gun bearer? That is what I am using now but looking for a different option because the shape of the shoulder straps on my Mystery Ranch pack aren't ideal for the universal set up. I do like the concept as it allows me to be much for hands free and not always sliding the sling back up onto my shoulder like a normal sling.
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Offline kselkhunter

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2021, 02:22:13 PM »
I've been running the Kifaru gun bearer on my Mystery Ranch pack for years.   Which MR pack do you have?   On my Crew Cab I just put the barrel strap above my chest strep on the shoulder strap.  Keeps it from sliding down. 

Offline vandeman17

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2021, 02:34:00 PM »
I've been running the Kifaru gun bearer on my Mystery Ranch pack for years.   Which MR pack do you have?   On my Crew Cab I just put the barrel strap above my chest strep on the shoulder strap.  Keeps it from sliding down.

I have the metcalf and run my chest strap a little higher with my bino harness. With my gun bearer attached below I battle it sliding down and it drives me crazy
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Offline BULLBLASTER

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2021, 02:53:52 PM »
Is there any seem spots in the strap that goes over the padded shoulder strap that you could hook the gun bear strap behind to stop it from sliding down? I just used a short piece of strap with a clip on my MR pack strap.

Offline vandeman17

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2021, 02:56:07 PM »
Is there any seem spots in the strap that goes over the padded shoulder strap that you could hook the gun bear strap behind to stop it from sliding down? I just used a short piece of strap with a clip on my MR pack strap.

I might end up sewing something on my strap to keep it from sliding down. Maybe its just me since I am the only one that seems to have this issue   :chuckle:
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Offline HAGEMANIAC

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2021, 03:14:09 PM »
I run the gun bearer with a Metcalf and haven't had issues. Right between the chest strap and stitching and doesn't budge.

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Offline vandeman17

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2021, 03:26:59 PM »
I run the gun bearer with a Metcalf and haven't had issues. Right between the chest strap and stitching and doesn't budge.

I will give it another run on my next hike and see if I can find the sweet spot.

Thanks all
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Offline Fl0und3rz

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2021, 04:38:06 PM »
not always sliding the sling back up onto my shoulder like a normal sling.

It's no Kifaru, but my go tos have been Vero Vellini Air Cushion Neoprene slings, which work great in wet weather.

Vero Vellini Air Cushion Sling Neoprene

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2426476559


But I have become a fan of these.


Turner Saddlery National Match All Weather Military Shooting Sling 1 1/4" Wide Biothane

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2490120458

You can slip your rifle sling under your chest strap to keep it in place when you don't expect to be using it such as dark hikes in or out.

Offline wadu1

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2021, 05:16:55 PM »
My go to sling is a Limbsaver Kodiak Air
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Offline jackelope

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2021, 05:29:54 PM »
I have a Kifaru gun bearer and a kifaru pack but I haven’t tried it yet. I’ve always like the Quake Claw slings. The part that goes over your shoulder is rubber and does not slide. I plan on trying the gun bearer, but it does seem like something that will take some getting used to.
:fire.:

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Offline ctwiggs1

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2021, 05:37:18 PM »
I removed my sling and haven’t looked back… yet. 

Offline jrebel

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2021, 05:42:52 PM »
Carry a standard sling in my pack so if I need one I have it (usually so my son can carry the rifle if I'm carrying the meat).  I have a Kuiu pack and if I'm hiking with a rifle on a mission I can and have strapped the rifle to the pack.  They have a similar set up to the kifaru and I have yet to find a way to comfortably carry / sling it to the front of my shoulder. 

Offline Threewolves

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2021, 05:55:49 PM »
Preferred: for rifles just the web sling, like off an M-16. I prefer it over a padded sling especially when wearing a jacket. Now for hauling three beaver off the river, one beaver in the ruck sack, two M-60 slings with a beaver on each, slung across the chest.
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Offline bigdub257

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2021, 06:05:21 PM »
I have a Kifaru gun bearer and a kifaru pack but I haven’t tried it yet. I’ve always like the Quake Claw slings. The part that goes over your shoulder is rubber and does not slide. I plan on trying the gun bearer, but it does seem like something that will take some getting used to.

They do take some getting used to but that's the only way I carry my rifle now.  Especially handy if you are using trekking poles.  I use those alot now too. 

Offline jackelope

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2021, 06:22:05 PM »
Me too
:fire.:

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Offline vandeman17

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2021, 07:47:22 PM »
I have a Kifaru gun bearer and a kifaru pack but I haven’t tried it yet. I’ve always like the Quake Claw slings. The part that goes over your shoulder is rubber and does not slide. I plan on trying the gun bearer, but it does seem like something that will take some getting used to.

They do take some getting used to but that's the only way I carry my rifle now.  Especially handy if you are using trekking poles.  I use those alot now too.

Use of two trekking poles is why I like the hands free. I saw little clips that look cool too but seem expensive for what they are.

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Offline BULLBLASTER

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #16 on: June 14, 2021, 08:38:39 PM »
For me its either in the gun bear or strapped to the side of my pack if not in my hands. Hiking with any over the shoulder sling is a major pain. This coming from a guy who used to think sling was the only way.

Offline shmacker

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #17 on: June 14, 2021, 08:43:30 PM »
Another vote for both the quake claw and kifaru gun bearer depending on the situation.

Offline CaNINE

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #18 on: June 16, 2021, 10:12:23 AM »
I’m a big fan of Kyle Lambs hunting sling available through Viking Tactics. Quick length adjustment capability for use in a shooting position. Anti-slip backing on the shoulder portion. When I need to go hands free I simply put my pack sternum strap over the rifle sling which keeps it in place.
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Offline Alchase

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #19 on: June 19, 2021, 07:53:41 PM »
I also use Quake rifle slings on all my hunting rifles. If I am hiking in, I will run my chest strap around my sling, so I can have hands free movement when needed.

When I was young my uncle showed me how to sow a button on the shoulder of my hunting coat. This kept the sling from slipping down in most instances.
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Offline kbrowne14

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #20 on: July 14, 2021, 12:51:58 PM »
For those of using trekking poles what do you like?  I am interested in the gun bearer but am a little Leary about having the gun under my arm.  I am curious about the Mystery Ranch hands free one, they appeared to have updated it, anybody try the updated one on any real hikes or hunts?


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Offline ctwiggs1

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #21 on: July 14, 2021, 12:55:51 PM »
Pretty happy with my Leki's.  They're the Micro Vario Carbon AS.

I think trekking poles are just one of those things that once you use them, you will always have them. 

Offline kbrowne14

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #22 on: July 14, 2021, 01:07:00 PM »
Pretty happy with my Leki's.  They're the Micro Vario Carbon AS.

I think trekking poles are just one of those things that once you use them, you will always have them.
I use trekking poles, I was asking about the the people who use poles, carry a rifle while using the poles.  Right now, I have nothing, it is strapped to my bag while I use trekking poles.


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Online Karl Blanchard

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #23 on: July 14, 2021, 01:10:05 PM »
Gunbearer all the way. You couldn't pay me actual US dollars to use a sling again.
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Offline 7mmfan

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #24 on: July 14, 2021, 01:37:48 PM »
Pretty happy with my Leki's.  They're the Micro Vario Carbon AS.

I think trekking poles are just one of those things that once you use them, you will always have them.
I use trekking poles, I was asking about the the people who use poles, carry a rifle while using the poles.  Right now, I have nothing, it is strapped to my bag while I use trekking poles.


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I use the Kifaru gun bearer with my Exo pack. I'll never go back to a sling. I actually stopped using a sling several years ago and just carried my gun or strapped it to my pack. Now that I use the gun bearer it all feels complete. I hike with trekking poles often and do not find the gun to ever be in my way.
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Offline kbrowne14

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #25 on: July 14, 2021, 01:46:19 PM »
Gunbearer all the way. You couldn't pay me actual US dollars to use a sling again.
Is it a little weird to get used to?  How about using Binos?  Is there any inconvenience at all?


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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #26 on: July 14, 2021, 01:57:22 PM »
Gunbearer all the way. You couldn't pay me actual US dollars to use a sling again.
Is it a little weird to get used to?  How about using Binos?  Is there any inconvenience at all?


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None. If there was any discomfort it is the gun hanging from that shoulder, but it's a fraction of what is experienced by having a gun on a sling over your shoulder. No interference with binos. You just need to play with the length of the lower support and position of the strap on your shoulder strap to get the angle of the gun where you want it. Takes about 1 minute. I fought getting one for a couple years, and kept strapping to my pack. Finally just bit the bullet a couple years back and it's been great.
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Offline BULLBLASTER

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #27 on: July 14, 2021, 01:58:30 PM »
Gunbearer all the way. You couldn't pay me actual US dollars to use a sling again.
Is it a little weird to get used to?  How about using Binos?  Is there any inconvenience at all?


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You can use the rifle barrel to steady your binos. It took me a bit to figure out the gunbear but i really like it now.

Offline IFunk

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #28 on: July 14, 2021, 02:40:01 PM »
I have 2 claws and think they are a good value for the money, but I also find them frustrating as hell.  I think they are fine for walking down a well maintained trail or forestry road, but get off trail and all bets are off.  Especially if using trekking poles.  I have very narrow shoulders an inevitably the rubberized pad slips off my pack straps teetering on the edge of my shoulder.  I just bought a used kifaru and am looking forward to using the gun bearer. 

Offline birddogdad

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #29 on: July 14, 2021, 02:51:59 PM »
i have the specialty outdoor ultimate slings and love them. .. they are rubber, work very well and come lifetime replacement too...
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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #30 on: July 14, 2021, 03:07:30 PM »
Gunbearer all the way. You couldn't pay me actual US dollars to use a sling again.
Is it a little weird to get used to?  How about using Binos?  Is there any inconvenience at all?


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like anything new it takes some experimenting but its a minimal learning curve. As bullblaster stated, I rest my arm on the gun to steady up. It's quite nice  :chuckle:
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Offline Tpetie3509

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Re: preferred rifle sling
« Reply #31 on: July 14, 2021, 04:00:05 PM »
+1 on the gun bearer. I had one, got rid of it, used all the sling types, tried Mystery Ranch's quick draw sling which works great if you plan on standing up straight and keeping your arms at your sides for the entirety of your trip. I ended up back at the gun bearer and haven't looked back. I don't use trekking poles unless hauling meat and at that point the rifle is strapped onto the pack.
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