If you’re carrying one around stalking animals, sure. Defensive rifles and PCC’s, sure. But a rifle you’re toting 100 yards into the woods to sit in a stand, none needed. Just makes unnecessary noise when you see a deer or animal.

I’ve never hunted much in my life, been going a lot this season, learning little things.

Furthermore, leather is way better than synthetic for noise. I’ve got a little changing around to do. In my ever evolving education I’m consistently, in my use case anyway, I’m getting away from anything remotely tactical. BFG slings on most all my rifles but I’ll be buying more Montana slings.

ETA: nothing at all against the fine BFG slings, but man if a simple leather sling or CMP Cotton Garand sling don’t work better in a lot of cases.

So, when climbing the tree stand, you're what- holding the rifle in your teeth?

When you've dressed out your kill and you're towing 100 pounds of meat through brush, you're what- balancing the rifle on the top of your head?

You don't ever fall? Don't ever run? Don't ever need your hands for another task?

I'd have to agree with para. There will always be something you need your hands for. You an always unclip the sling and put it into a cargo pocket when you are seated and don't need it. Just make sure you mount it with one of the many ways to quickly disconnect it.

Every one of my should fired weapons that I use has a sling.

And if the deer is 150 yards from the stand that’s 100 yards from the car when it’s shot, and then it runs an addition 250 yards before dropping—? Although I am curious what types of slings add that much noise over and above to what we make just moving through the woods.

If I'm walking the 10 yards from the back of my Jeep to the firing line at my friends place, No, I probably don't need a sling.

Anything outside of that, I'm using my sling.
A good sling and knowing how to use one also helps in improving accuracy. (Thank you for Uncle Sams Misguided Children teaching me that one.)

Worried about noise? Learn to be quiet, use tape on metal to metal ends.

All good points. But I CANNOT have have a BFG sling on a hunting rifle, as I stated, more of my rifles need Montana slings.

Moreover. If I’m tracking, the rifle is already in the truck.

When I cling the stand I do hold my rifle yes, maybe I’m a little more limber, or young , but I climb it just fine.

I’m not saying slings don’t have a place, but a sling that makes noise needs to go.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
If I'm walking the 10 yards from the back of my Jeep to the firing line at my friends place, No, I probably don't need a sling.

Anything outside of that, I'm using my sling.
A good sling and knowing how to use one also helps in improving accuracy. (Thank you for Uncle Sams Misguided Children teaching me that one.)

Worried about noise? Learn to be quiet, use tape on metal to metal ends.

It’s not the ends. It’s more the overly long sling rubbing against the stand, clothing, etc.

Are the noisy slings in the room with you now?

Nah I’m good now. All the old men are gone.

I don't go hunting but I like one on any rifle I have. They are handy to have, even when you don't think you need one.

Every hunting rifle I own, which is a fair number, has a sling. I find them a basic necessity for carrying afield and climbing stands. And can’t say I’ve once thought “this sling is noisy.”

I also wouldn’t track a deer I’ve shot without a rifle (maybe in my hand, maybe slung over my shoulder on a sling.)

quote:

Furthermore, leather is way better than synthetic

You know what made noise on one of my hunts?
The leather sling sliding off my shoulder and having my 308 hit the ground!
I only use neoprene backed slings for that very reason…and the synthetic ones are mouse fart quiet.
I’ll never use an all leather sling again.

I guess the fact that the first couple long guns I fired were not capable of being equipped with slings and that I don't hunt has colored my judgement. I don't have them on most of my guns, save a couple of 22s I inherited from my grandfather with the old leather military slings attached. I'm a 20 yards from the truck to the bench shooter and I'd have to drill the stocks on 75% of what I have to add the sling studs anyway. For mostly bench fired 22s, it just never seemed worth it.

I did purchase a VCAS for my current AR project, but I think it was mostly for the Chocolate chip pattern.

All my rifles have slings except for one and it gets strapped to a tripod.

Different slings for different purposes.

I have BFG VCAS slings on all my modern defensive rifles, but there's no point in using a rapid-adjust nylon tactical sling with a bunch of extra hardware on it if all you need is a simple shoulder strap for your hunting rifle.

Montana slings are an excellent choice for leather on a hunting rifle, and are what I use on my deer rifle, a classic Ruger M77 RSI. Makes for a stylish and comfortable carrying strap that pairs well with the old school blued steel and wood, while also being able to be utilized as a hasty shooting support if needed, and easily adjusted as needed.