Critique on slings

Shooting with a sling is a method used by some to help steady the rifle. Common usages include loop sling and hasty sling. Sling use is seen mostly in shooting competitions and the like. Some organizations even claim that shooting with the sling is part of fundamental marksmanship.

While I will not denigrate the practice of shooting with a sling, I will also not be participating in much of it, either. Although sling shooting is mostly for sport shooting application, there are some who try to make the sling into an everyday shooting tool. It is just not suited for that.

Getting into the sling takes time and practice. While there is certainly nothing wrong with practice, the fact is that one could practice easily shooting without the sling for more practical results - regardless of what results the shooter seeks (provided the shooter is not looking to increase sport shooting skill). Shooters can look to other means of steadying the rifle, and that's what they should do.

Bracing the rifle on something is an elementary method of steadying a rifle. Of all practices, it is the easiest to get good results from with minimal training.

Learning steady hold factors from major positions is also a great way to steady the rifle. This requires more training, but is also more universally practical.

Shooting with a sling is NOT a part of basic marksmanship. Basic marksmanship skill revolves around the three S's:
Sight Picture
Steady Hold
Trigger Squeeze

The big lie out there is that anything else matters.

Now, can using a sling help with "Steady Hold?" Of course. So can resting the rifle. So can proper form. A sling is not mandatory. It is a crutch for those who stick with it. Using it as a discipline is outdated and only relevant in a few circles.

There are some out there, in their quest for a "field expedient" sling that can be looped up on a moment's notice, that have turned to the ching sling. While this practice is noble, understand that the platform is equally limited. It still is not as fast, nor as stable, as using a nearby object as a brace. It is simply the pinnacle of the attempt to turn the sling into something it is not.

I know this will strike up some controversy among some. Before you go off half-cocked about whether I can actually shoot (particularly with a sling): check the "Appleseed" tab over there -->
Yep. Been to one. Shot the "Rifleman" score.
Have actually shot a 250 with an AR15.

Oh, and they ain't saving the country. Never was about that, either. Twas about lining the pockets of a few (or one?).

Will I still shoot using a sling?
Yes, occasionally. It is a skill I do not wish to forget.
And I may wish to take up HP sport shooting again sometime.


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