Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession Review

First Thoughts on the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession

The Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession sling promises to alleviate the burden of carrying a firearm for extended periods. Butler Creek claims its comfort stretch technology and quick detach swivels offer a superior carrying experience. I was intrigued by the promise of reduced felt weight and the ever-popular Mossy Oak Obsession camo pattern.

Years of hunting in the unforgiving terrain of the Pacific Northwest have left me acutely aware of the importance of a quality sling. Standard slings often dig into my shoulder after a few hours of hiking, turning what should be an enjoyable experience into a test of endurance. The lure of a sling that could reduce felt weight and provide all-day comfort was impossible to resist.

The Butler Creek sling arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive; the neoprene felt soft and pliable, and the Mossy Oak Obsession pattern looked vibrant. The quick detach swivels appeared robust and well-made.

I considered other slings like the Magpul MS4 and the Viking Tactics VTAC Wide Padded Sling, but ultimately chose the Butler Creek for its promise of significant weight reduction through its stretchable design and its lower price point. The Magpul is known for its versatility, while the VTAC prioritizes tactical adaptability, but I was primarily seeking enhanced comfort. At $21.49, the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession presented an affordable solution to a nagging problem.

I approached this sling with cautious optimism. I’ve been burned by similar promises of comfort before, but I hoped Butler Creek would deliver on its claims. My initial feeling was one of hopeful anticipation, eager to test its performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession was a pheasant hunt in the rolling hills of Eastern Washington. The weather was crisp and dry, typical for late fall. I attached the sling to my trusty 12-gauge shotgun and set off.

Initially, the sling felt comfortable. The neoprene padding conformed nicely to my shoulder, and the Comfort Stretch backing provided a noticeable level of cushioning. However, after a few hours of walking, I began to notice the sling shifting on my shoulder. This constant adjustment became a minor annoyance, and I found myself wishing for a more secure grip.

There weren’t any significant issues after the first hunt, but the lack of a completely secure hold was a slight disappointment. I hoped the “non-slip grippers” would offer more purchase.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during various hunting and range trips, the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession has proven to be reasonably durable. I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear on the neoprene or the swivels. The Mossy Oak Obsession pattern still looks as vibrant as the day I unboxed it.

Cleaning the sling is relatively simple; a damp cloth easily removes dirt and grime. It’s clear the closed-cell neoprene is resistant to absorbing moisture, which is a definite plus. Compared to some of my older canvas slings, the Butler Creek requires significantly less maintenance.

While the comfort level remains acceptable, the slippage issue persists. The sling’s movement on my shoulder is a recurring problem, especially when traversing uneven terrain. It hasn’t completely eliminated shoulder fatigue, but it has marginally reduced it compared to standard slings.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession

Specifications

The Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession features a 44-inch length and a 2.5-inch width. Its construction consists of soft, flexible closed-cell neoprene with Comfort Stretch backing. The swivels accommodate 1-inch sling loops and the sling is finished in Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage.

These specifications combine to create a sling intended for comfort and ease of use. The neoprene promises cushioning, the width distributes weight, and the Mossy Oak Obsession pattern enhances concealment. The quick detach swivels allow for rapid attachment and removal.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession is to provide a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. It performs adequately in this role, offering a degree of comfort superior to basic slings. The stretchable construction helps to absorb some of the bounce from the firearm.

However, the sling’s main weakness lies in its tendency to slip. The non-slip grippers don’t provide as much traction as I’d hoped, leading to frequent adjustments. While it meets the basic expectation of carrying a firearm, it falls short of delivering the complete “soak up the bounce” experience promised.

Design & Ergonomics

The sling’s design is relatively straightforward. The neoprene is soft against the skin, and the wide profile distributes weight across the shoulder. The quick detach swivels are easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

There’s a slight learning curve associated with finding the optimal adjustment for your body and firearm. Once you dial it in, the sling is relatively user-friendly, although the slippage issue remains a constant factor. The materials are high-quality, and the construction seems durable.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession should last for several seasons with proper care. The neoprene is resistant to water and abrasion, and the stitching appears to be robust. Occasional cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to maintain its condition.

The quick detach swivels seem particularly durable and capable of withstanding repeated use. Overall, the sling feels well-built and designed to endure the rigors of outdoor use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the quick detach swivels. There aren’t any readily apparent customization options beyond adjusting the overall length. Its simple design is meant to be functional as-is.

The 1-inch swivels are compatible with most firearms equipped with standard sling loops or mounting points. While you can’t directly add features to the sling itself, you can use aftermarket sling mounts or adapters to broaden its compatibility.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession

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Who Should Buy Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession?

The Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession is perfect for hunters or recreational shooters who prioritize comfort and are looking for an affordable upgrade over basic slings. It’s also well-suited for individuals who appreciate the versatility of quick detach swivels. The Mossy Oak Obsession pattern makes it an excellent choice for hunting in wooded or vegetated areas.

Those who require a completely secure and non-slip sling, or those who need advanced tactical features, should skip this product. Individuals who carry extremely heavy firearms might find the stretchable construction less supportive than a rigid sling.

Must-have accessories or modifications aren’t essential, but consider adding textured shoulder pads or experimenting with different sling mounting positions to potentially mitigate the slippage issue.

Conclusion on Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession

The Butler Creek 181018 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Obsession provides a comfortable and affordable solution for carrying a firearm. The neoprene padding and Comfort Stretch backing offer a noticeable improvement over basic slings, and the quick detach swivels enhance convenience.

While the slippage issue is a drawback, the sling’s overall value proposition remains strong. The price of $21.49 is justified by the enhanced comfort and durable construction.

I would personally recommend it to hunters and recreational shooters looking for a comfortable and affordable sling upgrade. It’s a solid product that delivers on its core promises, albeit with a minor imperfection. Give the Butler Creek a try – your shoulder will thank you, even if you have to adjust it occasionally.

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