Sling Length

[Old40Rod]

I'm getting close to finishing up my PR TN Mt rifle and I plan to make a sling out of upholstery webbing (2.5" webbing, doubled over with the open edge sewn shut). I have one sling swivel mounted through a stud on the toe plate and the other through an underlug just a bit forward of the middle rr pipe. The linear distance between the two swivels will be about 38". Is there a "rule of thumb" for determining how long I would make the sling for comfortable over-shoulder carrying? Or is it just try-and-fit?

 

[BrownBear]

I don't know of any reliable formula because taste comes into play. For me anyway, it's try and fit, just as you propose.

I do use one rule of thumb for finding the right mix of comfort and control. I adjust the sling length so the sling swivel falls somewhere between just below the top of my shoulder and not below my armpit when the gun is mounted on my shoulder. Any higher and it pinches. Any lower and the rifle flops around too much for my taste. Like I said, a rule of thumb, but not a fancy formula.

 

[Old40Rod]

Good idea... I am have plenty of length to work with. I suspected it was try and fit, and I can probably do a bit of geometric calculation to get an idea where to start so I don't end up with too much or too little slack.

 

[mazo kid]

I have never heard of such a formula as everyone is built differently....slim, narrow shoulders, wide shoulders, barrel chest, etc. I make the slings on my guns with a bit of adjustment, holes punched in the sling and a thong for a keeper. That way, the sling can be adjusted for summer or winter use.

 

[Old40Rod]

I could do that, Mazo. It would take a bit more to work out the system on a jute sling, but certainly is possible... maybe a slider of some kind... wood or horn.