I was contacted by the nice folks at Upland Sportsman (http://uplandsportsman.com/) a few months ago and asked to try out their hunting sling. At the time, I really didn't think it would be for me, but agreed to give it a shot (no pun intended here). One thing led to another and I took it on my latest hunting trip to NE, OK, AZ and NM. Shown are some pictures my friend took of me while we were preparing to hunt for Bobwhites in Oklahoma.
One of my concerns was for the gun and if the sling would mar the gunstock. In fact, I'm shown with the sling attached to my 101 year old A.H. Fox 20 ga.. I can guarantee you it would come no where near that gun if there was any chance the gunstock would be marred, at all. I feel very good about using the sling with my shotguns.
Walking with the sling is easy. The weight of the shotgun is carried on the butt and is transferred to the shoulders making long treks much easier. Throwing the gun up for the shot is very easy and none of the webbing gets in the way at all. I am very pleased with the fact it mounting of the gun is very quick and easy. In fact, you don't even think of the gun, at all. The boot on the gunstock did not interfere with my shooting nor did I find it a hindrance to the sight picture.
To be the perfect accessory, I'm wondering if there is a way to have a quick attachment for the barrel to the body to have both hands free- for work with the dogs, or climbing over obstacles, etc. Hunting with the sling, with dogs, many times necessitates the use of both hands. It would be great to be able to clip the barrel to the chest, say, just for a short time, use both hands, and then continue on. I see the use of the sling most adaptable to field trials or to hunting without dogs. It is a great product, well made and thought out. I think there are many hunters and field trialers who would be able to use this sling.
My recommendation for those looking for this type of product is an unqualified BUY. It is adaptable to left handed (me) or right handed shooters with orange or camo colors.
