Making your own rifle sling offers a rewarding blend of craftsmanship and practicality. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a newcomer to firearms, constructing a custom sling allows for personalized fit, material selection, and a deeper understanding of your equipment. This guide provides a step-by-step process, covering various methods and considerations to help you create a durable and functional rifle sling.
Choosing Your Materials: The Foundation of a Strong Sling
The first step in making a rifle sling is selecting the right materials. The durability and comfort of your sling depend heavily on your choices. Popular options include:
1. Webbing:
- Nylon: A robust and versatile choice, nylon webbing offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to water and abrasion. Look for high-tenacity nylon for maximum durability.
- Polyester: Similar to nylon in strength and water resistance, polyester webbing often offers a slightly smoother texture.
- Paracord: While not ideal for a primary sling due to its thinner construction, paracord can be incorporated for added strength, attachment points, or as a secondary sling.
2. Hardware:
- Swivels: These are crucial for allowing the sling to rotate freely and prevent twisting. Choose swivels rated for the weight of your rifle. Stainless steel is a preferred choice for its durability and corrosion resistance.
- Buckles: While not strictly necessary, buckles provide quick adjustment and easy on/off capabilities. Select strong, reliable buckles that are appropriate for the webbing width.
- Rings/Loops: Depending on your chosen sling design, rings or loops may be needed to attach the sling to your rifle.
Methods for Constructing Your Rifle Sling: Three Popular Approaches
Several methods exist for crafting a rifle sling. We'll explore three popular and effective techniques:
1. The Simple Single-Point Sling:
This is the easiest sling to make and is ideal for beginners. It features a single attachment point, typically at the rear of the rifle.
Materials:
- Approximately 4 feet of webbing (nylon or polyester)
- Two swivels
- One buckle (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure and Cut: Measure your desired sling length, adding extra length for the swivels and buckle (if using). Cut the webbing.
- Attach Swivels: Attach a swivel to each end of the webbing using a reliable method, such as stitching or using a strong adhesive designed for webbing.
- Add Buckle (Optional): If using a buckle, securely attach it to the webbing. This allows for quick adjustments.
- Attach to Rifle: Attach the swivels to your rifle using existing sling mounts or by creating custom attachment points.
2. The Two-Point Sling: Versatile and Widely Used
The two-point sling allows for a more comfortable and versatile carrying experience, distributing the weight across your shoulders.
Materials:
- Approximately 6 feet of webbing (nylon or polyester)
- Four swivels
- Two buckles (optional, for adjustment)
Instructions:
- Cut Webbing: Cut the webbing into two equal lengths.
- Attach Swivels: Attach two swivels to each length of webbing, one at each end.
- Connect the Sections: Connect the two sections of webbing together using a strong method (stitching or other secure joining technique). This is where buckles would be incorporated for adjustment.
- Attach to Rifle: Attach the four swivels to your rifle using appropriate attachment points.
3. The Padded Two-Point Sling: Enhanced Comfort
For increased comfort during extended carrying, adding padding is beneficial.
Materials:
- Same as Two-Point Sling, plus:
- Padding material (closed-cell foam, neoprene, etc.)
Instructions:
- Follow the Two-Point Sling instructions.
- Cut the padding material to the desired size and shape, slightly smaller than the webbing.
- Securely attach the padding to the webbing using stitching or strong adhesive. Ensure the padding is evenly distributed for maximum comfort.
Finishing Touches and Safety Considerations
- Reinforcement: For increased durability, reinforce all seams and attachment points with strong stitching.
- Testing: Before using your new sling, thoroughly test its strength and security. Ensure all connections are secure and can withstand the weight of your rifle.
- Safety: Always handle firearms safely. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Creating your own rifle sling is a rewarding experience. By carefully selecting materials and following these instructions, you can craft a custom sling perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. Remember, safety is paramount—always prioritize secure connections and responsible firearm handling.
