Shooting with a sling

[jasche]

What is the proper form or technique for shooting prone or sitting using a sling. Also, what sling would you recommend for hunting purposes. Thanks.

[abinok]

jasche, I think you may have just asked one of the greatest short questions that requires a long answer. Theres basically two types of slings for use in prone and sitting. I won't mess with all of the various names, but it breaks down into
1. a sling attached to the forend and the buttstock, primarily for the purpose of carying, and additionally used for support in some situations. This is the fastest sling type.
2. a sling attached to the forend, or a handstop on the forend, and your weak arm shoulder or upper arm. This sling is designed primarily for support, and has no provisions for a carry mode.
This question would most easily be answered with pictures, and hopefully somebody will provide them. I would, but my camera is toast. Ive got plenty of published stuff on sling use from Palma and smallbore, to the stuff printed in the monthly gun rags for the typical "hunting" situations. Im disinclined to post it since its copyrighted, but Id be happy to sneak it onto the scanner and into an email if nobody responds to your satisfaction.

[jasche]

abinok
That would be great. I dont have too much experience yet(15yrs old) but am learning. Was thinking that by learning to use a sling and practicing with it would be a great help in the field. Thank you.

[Buffalobob]

Here are some articles

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/shoot...ps/sling_0612/


http://www.ustacticalsupply.com/rev-quickcuff.shtml


http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...50/ai_n6081522

http://www.huntingmag.com/big_game/d...en/index1.html


The object of all shooting positions is to have the fewest muscles possible under tension. The sling is a substitute for the muscle that connects your upper arm to your lower arm so that muscle does not have to be under tension. You hand should not be grasping the forestock of the rifle rather your hand is the pillow that the rifle shoots off of.

Body geometry and flexibility may dictate the exact position of kneeling/sitting or some modified hybrid that you will find comfortable and steady ( steady is relative). But in this position the object is to get a knee bone to elbow bone structural brace that supports the gun rather than use any muscle.

Another good one that you might try is the reclined position where you recline with your back against a rock or tree and use your knee as a rest for the forestock (you will need your hand between the gun and the knee to keep it from falling off.

The heavier the recoil of the gun the more you have to use muscle power to control the recoil so adjust appropriately.

[abinok]

Buffalobob hit the nail right on the head, the whole key to a sling is bone support. After youre through reading the links he posted, if you want more on the use of a competition sling, let me know.

[jasche]

Thanks guys, you helped out alot. Abinok, if you could just email that stuff to me, that would be good. jasche08(at)hotmail.com Thanks!

[Skinny Shooter]

Hi jasche, I've been using two of these slings: turner Slings Link
How to Use the Model of 1907 sling Link

They work well for what I want. I've hit groundhogs and bowling pins out to 150 yards with a 308 in the off-hand position with the 1907 model sling. Can't do that all the time though but I try. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Usually I carry muzzle-down on my weak-side for a few reasons. One, I can quickly bring my rifle up for use, carrying a heavy-barreled rifle muzzle-up is a bit awkward for me and muzzle-down is a lower profile to non-hunters when you're walking the fields.
If you do go with this style of sling, turn the bottom hooks and strap so the hooks are pointing outwards. Otherwise they will dig into your shoulder.
The slings from Tactical Intervention Specialists look great and I may have to get one myself. The idea of a quick-cuff to wear on your arm is faster than getting into a 1907 sling.