Sling recommendations for a front-heavy rifle

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    DP12

    Active Member
    Apr 24, 2018
    333
    SoMD
    I picked up a Remington 700 VS in 308 with a 26" barrel recently. That makes for a front-heavy rifle, so I installed a bipod. It's been great out on my backyard range, but I'm having trouble finding a sling that works well with such a front/top-heavy gun. With a two-point nylon sling shortened as far as it'll go, it still has a tendency to want to flip muzzle down.

    Does anybody have sling suggestions for a front-heavy rifle?

    Cheers
     
    A

    AlBeight

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 30, 2017
    4,466
    Hampstead
    DP12 said:
    I picked up a Remington 700 VS in 308 with a 26" barrel recently. That makes for a front-heavy rifle, so I installed a bipod. It's been great out on my backyard range, but I'm having trouble finding a sling that works well with such a front/top-heavy gun. With a two-point nylon sling shortened as far as it'll go, it still has a tendency to want to flip muzzle down.

    Does anybody have sling suggestions for a front-heavy rifle?

    Cheers
    Click to expand...
    Flip down when you’re carrying it or while you’re trying to use it a a sling shooting aide? If it’s a problem for carrying, I feel your pain. I have an H & R Slugmaster that has a 10 gauge profile heavy barrel that hates staying vertical on my shoulder, it rolls back and muzzle-sweeps everyone behind me if I’m not careful. If your top heavy issue is while carrying slung over your shoulder, I’ve come to slinging it upside down, barrel down and to the front (seeing how it wants to go that direction anyway). Problem solved. That is of course if that’s actually your concern. :D
     
    D

    DP12

    Active Member
    Apr 24, 2018
    333
    SoMD
    AlBeight said:
    Flip down when you’re carrying it or while you’re trying to use it a a sling shooting aide? If it’s a problem for carrying, I feel your pain. I have an H & R Slugmaster that has a 10 gauge profile heavy barrel that hates staying vertical on my shoulder, it rolls back and muzzle-sweeps everyone behind me if I’m not careful. If your top heavy issue is while carrying slung over your shoulder, I’ve come to slinging it upside down, barrel down and to the front (seeing how it wants to go that direction anyway). Problem solved. That is of course if that’s actually your concern. :D
    Click to expand...
    That is precisely my problem. I never thought to let gravity take over and just wear it how it naturally wants to go. Dang rifle has a mind of its own!
     
    willtill

    willtill

    The Dude Abides
    MDS Supporter
    May 15, 2007
    24,524
    DP12 said:
    That is precisely my problem. I never thought to let gravity take over and just wear it how it naturally wants to go. Dang rifle has a mind of its own!
    Click to expand...

    That's "African carry" :)

    I carry my TC Arms Omega the same way. Barrel is much heavier than normal...

    .
     
    D

    DP12

    Active Member
    Apr 24, 2018
    333
    SoMD
    There's something about having a barrel pointed (even temporarily) at my legs as I walk that gives me the willies.
     
    TexDefender

    TexDefender

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 28, 2017
    1,572
    My suggestion is to carry the rifle barrel down with a Muzzle Cover/Muzzle Cap. As it naturally likes to hang, the plastic Muzzle Cover/Muzzle Cap will keep debris out of it. Another way would be to carry it crosswise with a tight strap. Either way will require some getting use to. Of course I wouldn't carry it with a round chambered.
     
    Biggfoot44

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,152
    A few ideas :

    Instead of plain nylon , try a sling that is widee where it contacts the shoulder, and has non slip surface facing the shoulder, such as suede or neoprene .

    Additional or relocated sling swivel farther out the forend ( closer to muzzle) . This lowers the rifle , and center of gravity .

    Taking that concept further , add additional swivel , bbl band mounted, aka African or Safari style . Rules out use as shootinh aide, but that's already outside OP's parameters .
     
    A

    AlBeight

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 30, 2017
    4,466
    Hampstead
    DP12 said:
    There's something about having a barrel pointed (even temporarily) at my legs as I walk that gives me the willies.
    Click to expand...
    The way my shotgun hangs is not straight down, more closer to a 30-45 degree angle. Not great if someone’s in front, then right hand holds it straight down and to the right as long as someone’s in front. Otherwise I’ll do a traditional barrel up shoulder carry, but with my right hand holding the sling, usually with my thumb in a thumb loop. That only works when I don’t need my right hand for anything. And can be tiresome on a long walk. Finally I bought a backpack with the rifle scabbard slot in the top & drop down sack at the stock/bottom. Gun goes nowhere, and is barely noticeable. That is fricking awesome, never going back if I can help it.
     
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