Let’s Dive into Browning Sling
The Browning Sling offers a blend of classic aesthetics and functional design. Made by Browning, it combines olive cotton canvas with embossed leather, promising both comfort and a touch of elegance for your rifle. I wanted a reliable and stylish sling that wouldn’t break the bank.
I’ve always been a fan of classic designs, and the combination of canvas and leather caught my eye. My old nylon sling was purely functional, but lacked any aesthetic appeal. This seemed like a good compromise between practicality and looking good in the field.
Upon unboxing, the Browning Sling felt sturdy and well-made. The canvas was thick, the leather supple, and the stitching appeared to be of high quality. The brass hardware added a touch of class.
Compared to a basic nylon sling or a heavily padded neoprene option, the Browning Sling offered a different feel. I considered a neoprene sling for its comfort, but I valued the classic look and durable feel of the Browning. It felt more refined than a simple utilitarian sling, without sacrificing durability.
My initial impression was positive. I was excited to try it on my rifle and see how it performed in the field. It appeared to be a well-crafted sling that would not only carry my rifle comfortably but also add a touch of style.
Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Browning Sling on a weekend deer hunting trip in the Texas Hill Country. The terrain was a mix of scrub brush and rocky hills. The sling was used to carry my .30-06 bolt-action rifle during long walks through the woods.
The conditions were relatively dry, but there was some early morning dew on the vegetation. The canvas held up well to the light moisture, and the leather showed no signs of water damage.
The Browning Sling was comfortable to use, distributing the weight of my rifle evenly across my shoulder. Adjusting the sling’s length was straightforward, and I quickly found a comfortable carry position. I didn’t need much time to get used to the sling.
One minor issue arose: the leather keeper occasionally slipped, requiring readjustment. The sling swivels, which I had to purchase separately, occasionally squeaked.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Browning Sling has held up remarkably well. It’s been used on multiple hunting trips and numerous range visits.
The canvas shows minimal signs of wear, and the leather has developed a nice patina. There are no signs of fraying or stitching coming undone.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use. The leather is occasionally treated with a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Cleaning is a breeze.
Compared to my previous nylon sling, the Browning Sling offers a superior combination of comfort and style. The leather and canvas provide a more comfortable feel against my shoulder, and the classic design adds a touch of elegance to my rifle. It definitely outperforms the nylon option in comfort and aesthetics.
Breaking Down the Features of Browning Sling
Specifications
The Browning Sling is designed with the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Browning.
- Color: Laredo.
- Length: Adjustable from 25.5 to 35.5 inches. This adjustability ensures a good fit for various body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Attachment Type: Sling. It attaches to standard sling swivels, offering compatibility with most rifles.
- Fabric/Material: Canvas. The olive cotton canvas offers durability and a classic look.
The specifications are well-suited for the intended purpose. The adjustable length makes it versatile for different users and rifles. The canvas construction provides a durable and comfortable carrying experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Browning Sling excels at its primary function: carrying a rifle comfortably and securely. It’s easy to adjust, distributes weight effectively, and provides a stable platform for off-hand shooting.
Its strengths lie in its comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The canvas and leather provide a comfortable feel against the shoulder, and the classic design adds a touch of elegance. The main weakness is the occasional slippage of the leather keeper.
The Browning Sling mostly meets expectations. It’s comfortable and looks great. The minor keeper slippage is an annoyance, but not a deal-breaker.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid. The combination of canvas, leather, and brass hardware gives the sling a premium feel.
The Browning Sling is user-friendly. Adjusting the length is simple, and attaching it to a rifle is straightforward. There’s no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Browning Sling should last for many years. The canvas and leather are durable materials, and the brass hardware is resistant to corrosion.
Maintaining the sling is easy. Regular cleaning and occasional leather conditioning are all that’s required. It appears easy to maintain and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Browning Sling itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the sewn leather keeper. Swivels are not included and must be purchased separately.
There are no specific customization options for the sling itself, but users can choose different types of sling swivels to suit their needs. The sling is compatible with most standard sling swivels.
Pros and Cons of Browning Sling
Pros
- Comfortable to wear: The combination of canvas and leather provides a comfortable feel against the shoulder.
- Classic design: The olive canvas, embossed leather, and brass hardware create an appealing aesthetic.
- Durable construction: The high-quality materials and solid stitching ensure long-lasting performance.
- Adjustable length: The sling can be adjusted to fit different body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Easy to install: Attaching the sling to a rifle is straightforward.
Cons
- Leather keeper can slip: The sewn leather keeper that holds the sling in place can occasionally slip.
- Swivels not included: Sling swivels must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Browning Sling?
The Browning Sling is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who appreciate a blend of classic style and functional design. It’s also suitable for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable sling for carrying their rifle in the field.
Anyone who prioritizes purely tactical functionality or needs a sling with integrated features like quick-release buckles should skip this product. Also, if you prefer modern materials like nylon or neoprene, this sling might not be for you.
Must-have accessories include high-quality sling swivels. A leather conditioner for maintaining the leather accents is also recommended.
Conclusion on Browning Sling
The Browning Sling is a well-made and stylish rifle sling that offers a comfortable and durable carrying experience. Its classic design and high-quality materials make it a worthwhile upgrade from basic nylon slings.
The price of $59.79 is justified by the quality of the materials and construction. It sits in a reasonable middle ground between budget nylon slings and high-end tactical options.
I would personally recommend the Browning Sling to anyone looking for a comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing rifle sling. It’s a great addition to any rifle, combining functionality with a touch of classic style. Upgrade your rifle with the Browning Sling and experience the difference!