Strapping In

By SPC Calvin Roberts

There are countless ways to set up a highpower rifle sling. However, there is no one way to properly assemble this crucial shooting tool. This article is not intended to walk you step by step through the “proper sling assembly process”. I am simply going to provide several tips and tricks to try out and keep in mind for your next trip to the range. The best way to learn the proper sling configuration is to talk with several experienced competitors and have them show you how they attach and use their sling. Then experiment with what you have seen to find out what works best for you.

First things first, to truly understand why you need a rifle sling, you have to understand its purpose. When properly implemented, a sling will improve stability in a shooters firing position by increasing support for the sitting or kneeling and prone positions. This will, in return, increase a shooters confidence, leading to better and more consistent performances.

I mentioned the slings use for prone and sitting, but what do I do with my sling for the standing position? This is a common question among highpower rifle competitors, new and old alike. What I like to do is keep my sling tight and on the left side of my rifle. This keeps the sling from bunching up between the rifle and my shooting coat, which would force me to cant the rifle outward. It’s fairly common to see competitors on the firing line who have their sling hanging loose or set up for sitting with a lot of slack in it. I highly recommend you do not do this because when the wind begins to blow it will catch the sling, causing more movement than you will already have.

A very good habit to get into is recording your sling settings in your data book. Most slings have numbered notches, which makes remembering your settings easier. However, it’s a good idea to mark them with a paint pen or marker. There are several reasons for this, the first one being that as you use your sling, it is naturally going to stretch. This strategy will help you to keep your positions consistent as your sling breaks in. Another reason is because it is common to use a different setting from sitting to prone. I loosen my sling up one notch from the sitting to prone, depending on what range I’m at. Remember, every range is different, don’t be afraid to take up a notch or loosen one if the targets at a particular range are higher or lower than you are used to.

I can’t think of a single rifle match I have competed in where I didn’t hear another competitor complaining about how their pulse beat affected one of their rapid fire groups. There are several ways to reduce pulse. However, you must learn to shoot through some degree of pulse. One of my favorite tricks for sitting and prone is to tuck the end of my sweatshirt sleeve into my shooting glove. If you take notice while in one of these positions, the sling crosses your wrist tightly, which is one of the two places it touches your body. Much of the pulse you see while shooting comes from here, this will also be more comfortable due to the extra padding between the sling and your body. Another thing to try if you still experience a large amount of pulse, is to adjust the slings position on your non firing arm (the second place the sling comes in contact with the body). In order to figure out what is most comfortable for you; spend some time experimenting. You don’t necessarily have to go to the range to work on this. It’s not uncommon for me to put all my gear on in my living room and try a few things, or have someone else take a look at my position if I’m having problems. Keep in mind that your sling should be up high on your non firing arm above your tricep, and rotated outward away from your body.

Maintaining your rifle sling is very important. If something happens to your sling in the middle of a match, your day is over. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an extra sling that you are familiar with in your shooting stool in case you have some kind of sling drama. A good habit to get into is inspecting your sling before you even walk down range. A few things you want to look for are cracks in the leather, usually near the area where the sling attaches to the swivels on the rifle. You also should check the stitching on the keepers for dry rot. Your sling WILL be exposed to rain, snow, heat, humidity, and sunlight. Every few months I apply a leather conditioner to help my sling survive these elements and last for several seasons. If you find any problems with your sling it’s probably time to go shopping.

Whether you are planning on being a die-hard highpower rifle competitor, or just a weekend warrior looking for a hobby to get you outdoors, knowing how to properly utilize a rifle sling will improve your scores and consistency. Also, don’t be afraid to ask other shooters for help or tips. The shooting community is a friendly group and most competitors are more than happy to share their knowledge and get new shooters heading in the right direction.

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