Safari sling? Stalker sling?

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I'm tired of ordinary rifle slings. I have tried several, and most of them are just not very functional, especially when carrying a backpack and/or still hunting. I also have a bad habit of losing them.

This year I'm going to try something different. I'm pretty sure I'll buy a safari sling for still hunting. I like how the rifle sits upright, and shots can be taken quickly. Anyone have experience with these? Is the Boonie Packer any good? There aren't a lot of options out there, especially in the US.

Another frustration is walking long distances with a rifle slung on my shoulder. It tends to slip off my shoulder, so I sling it across my back, which then causes it to snag on my backpack and knock the ammo out of the butt stock sleeve. Is a hands-free stalker style sling a good option here, or is it a hassle to swap back and forth? Could I just walk with the safari sling and point the muzzle up? Would that be comfortable enough?

 

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USed to do a lot of still hunting. First several years hunting didn't even won a stand or chair for hunting. Tried a lot of slings. Often end up missing an opportunity. Small light gun like a marlin 30-30 no scope, or hold the gun across your chest above your elbows.

I've used a small piece of plastic before on my backpack to rest the gun on to take weight off. Strike industries makes a tactical sling catch which pretty much replicates what I had. I tore a ligament in my foot right after the gun laws change in NY. I was planning on using an AR with a single point sling. I thought the upper I had was a 458 socom, could of been a bushmaster though. I used to switch between that light 30-30 or a very light Chinese SKS that shot well. I used to rest my gun or a gun strap on the backpack chest strap or binoculars often too. Hunting woods and often didn't need more than 150 yards.

Used to like the smallest most slender sling I could find. Take it off when still hunt intently, leave it on when more scouting or using a treestand.

I still walk the woods, but only do 2 or 3 hour stints. I often try to hitch a ride to the back of the club and slowly make my way back to camp.

For awhile thought the Ruger 10/44 was a really nice stalk rifle. 44 mag version of the 10/22.

I use a older sling I bought similar to champions choice ss2000 sling. Can quietly change the length of it with 2 fingers. MAke for better offhand shooting.

 

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I could see the sling swivels digging into a wood stock.

Looked interesting. Ordered the woodland camo one with their swivels. Gotta do something myself with the BLR. Added a 1lb mercury recoil reducer to it.

 

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My conflicting views... I HATE slings. I never use them. A slung rifle is a useless rifle. (or shotgun)
If I have one, it's in my pack only to be used to free up my hands dragging something out. And even then I hate them. Maybe even more. lol

A shooting sling is a different animal, but still something I don't use. You can use a shooting sling and never carry it slung.

HOWEVER... hunting with an AR, which is something I only do every few years, I LOVE them. Slung muzzle down across my chest. Hands free and still handy. Fact is I've even set up a couple non AR's to be carried that way. (but not "traditional" blued steel and wood rifles. Things that aren't pretty and I'm not concerned about beating them up a little)

 

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What binoculars do you use for stalk hunting. I've had a pair of Steiner marine military 8x30's for years. I noticed optics planet has them on clearance for $230 bucks. Nice n clear, can look near and far well, doesn't give me a headache using them alot, and they weigh next to nothing. Cleaned the lens numerous times with lens wipes and the coatings still hold up too.


I tried looking up a single point mount for a lever or bolt action rifle. Not finding much. Noticed troy industries has a pump action AR. Wish they made it in bigger than 300 blackout.

 

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What binoculars do you use for stalk hunting. I've had a pair of Steiner marine military 8x30's for years. I noticed optics planet has them on clearance for $230 bucks. Nice n clear, can look near and far well, doesn't give me a headache using them alot, and they weigh next to nothing. Cleaned the lens numerous times with lens wipes and the coatings still hold up too.


I tried looking up a single point mount for a lever or bolt action rifle. Not finding much. Noticed troy industries has a pump action AR. Wish they made it in bigger than 300 blackout.

I have a Vortex 10 power that I got maybe 3 years ago. They were on sale when I needed new binoculars, and lifetime guarantee sealed the deal.

I used to have Nikon Pro Staff 5 or 7, one step below the Monarch, but they are junk, so I've written off all of Nikon's hunting products. For apparently no reason at all, the right tube started fogging. I never dropped them on anything hard or abused them. They were subjected to wild swings in temperature, but if something won't tolerate winter, then I can't hunt with it. I was really disappointed. They sit next to the window in the living room for checking out animals that come into the yard.

I used a lot of Steiner marine binoculars in boats on the North Sea. They were robust and tolerated the conditions, but they're too heavy and bulky for stalking deer.

 

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My conflicting views... I HATE slings. I never use them. A slung rifle is a useless rifle. (or shotgun)
If I have one, it's in my pack only to be used to free up my hands dragging something out. And even then I hate them. Maybe even more. lol

I agree. That's why I'm exploring other options. A safari sling holds the rifle upright and ready to pull up for a shot. A British/Australian style stalker sling seems awesome for keeping my rifle secure when I need my hands free. It stays right up next to the pack and doesn't flop around or slip off.

 

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I don't like them either. I'm interested in trying both the stalked and a single point. Tired rubbery arms don't shoot offhand too well. I got a 42" 50 cal flintlock that weighs around 12 pounds. The BLR has an extra pound of mercury in it now. Kind have to do something at some point. I usually stalk from point A to B. I end up making more noise and go faster because of the stuff I'm lugging, including the gun.

Bird hunters often have something they can rest the butt of their shotguns on their belt. Might be an option too. Some just use a knife holster on their belt.

Here's one type

Quick-Shot Shotgun Holster - Camo

Quick-Shot shotgun and rifle holster supports the firearm and promotes gun safety, while allowing your arms rest and less fatigue

peregrineoutdoor.com

Orvis and southern trapper have their version of something like this too.

 

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I don't like them either. I'm interested in trying both the stalked and a single point. Tired rubbery arms don't shoot offhand too well. I got a 42" 50 cal flintlock that weighs around 12 pounds. The BLR has an extra pound of mercury in it now. Kind have to do something at some point. I usually stalk from point A to B. I end up making more noise and go faster because of the stuff I'm lugging, including the gun.

Bird hunters often have something they can rest the butt of their shotguns on their belt. Might be an option too. Some just use a knife holster on their belt.

Here's one type

Quick-Shot Shotgun Holster - Camo

Quick-Shot shotgun and rifle holster supports the firearm and promotes gun safety, while allowing your arms rest and less fatigue

peregrineoutdoor.com

Orvis and southern trapper have their version of something like this too.

Awesome. I'll order one of those, too. The terrain here is tough, and a free hand while bird hunting would be great. Can't use those safari slings on a bird gun.