Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black Review

First Thoughts on the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black promises a simple, affordable solution for carrying your air rifle. Coming from Gun Buddy, a brand I hadn’t personally encountered before in my decade plus in the tactical and outdoor gear world, I was curious. My initial thought was, can something this inexpensive really improve the air rifle shooting experience?

I recently acquired a break barrel air rifle for pest control around my property. Carrying it while navigating uneven terrain, fences, and outbuildings became a hassle. I was specifically seeking a lightweight, no-frills sling that wouldn’t interfere with the rifle’s mechanics, especially the cocking action.

Upon unboxing, the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black appeared surprisingly robust for its price point. The black nylon webbing felt durable, and the “non-slip pebbling” on the shoulder strap seemed like a practical touch. It was noticeably lighter than traditional rifle slings, which was a plus.

I briefly considered a more elaborate, adjustable tactical sling with QD swivels. However, the Gun Buddy’s simple, no-hardware design appealed to my desire for a minimalist solution. It also felt like a more natural fit for the air rifle application, where I wasn’t anticipating the same level of tactical maneuvering as with a firearm. I was cautiously optimistic. It looked like it should solve my problem for a great price.

My initial impression was one of intrigued practicality. I wouldn’t say I was excited, but I definitely wasn’t disappointed. The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black looked like it could deliver on its promise of lightweight, convenient carry without breaking the bank. The true test, of course, would be in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black during a morning of pest control on my property. The terrain varies from open fields to wooded areas with dense undergrowth. I needed to move frequently between these areas, carrying the air rifle and various tools.

The sling performed adequately in relatively dry conditions. The non-slip pebbling on the shoulder strap did a reasonable job of preventing slippage, even when I was wearing a smooth nylon jacket. I quickly realized that the simple design meant the fit was not customizable to my body type.

Initially, the installation seemed straightforward. However, I had some minor issues. The front “slip over barrel” design required a bit of fiddling to get a secure fit without obstructing the front sight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black shows some minor wear and tear. There is some fraying around the edges of the nylon webbing. The “deluxe shock-absorbing shoulder strap” has not proven to be particularly shock-absorbing.

Cleaning the sling is relatively easy. I simply wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. The sling has retained its basic functionality, but the initial feeling of robustness has diminished slightly.

Compared to other, more expensive slings I’ve used with firearms, the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black is clearly less durable and comfortable. However, given the price difference and the lighter weight of the air rifle, this is not entirely unexpected. This sling does provide a way to carry the rifle that is better than by hand.

Breaking Down the Features of Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black

Specifications

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black has the following specifications:

• Color: Black. The sling comes only in black, a practical choice for outdoor use as it hides dirt and wear relatively well.
• Lightweight and durable. While the sling is lightweight, the jury is still out on how durable it truly is long term.
• Quick adjustment fasteners. These fasteners allow for some adjustment of the sling’s length, but the range of adjustment is limited.
• Non-slip pebbling. This feature on the shoulder strap is intended to prevent slippage and does offer some level of grip.
• No sling swivels required. This simplifies the design and makes it compatible with a wider range of air rifles.
• Front slips over barrel, back slips over buttpad. This is a simple attachment method that requires no modification to the rifle.
• Does not interfere with cocking of break barrel rifles. This is a key design consideration for break barrel air rifles.
• Deluxe shock-absorbing shoulder strap. This provides minimal padding and offers little noticeable shock absorption.

These specifications suggest a sling designed for simplicity, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of air rifles. The lack of sling swivels and the barrel/buttpad attachment system make it a universal solution. However, the limited adjustment options and the questionable “deluxe” shoulder strap may impact user comfort and overall experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black performs its primary function – carrying the air rifle – adequately. It frees up your hands and distributes the weight, making it easier to navigate terrain. The sling is not meant for quick shouldering of the rifle, but it does make it easier to transport the rifle from place to place.

The sling’s strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of installation. The weaknesses are the lack of adjustability and the limited padding on the shoulder strap. It meets basic expectations but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The sling’s design is straightforward and utilitarian. The black nylon webbing is functional but not particularly stylish. The “slip over” attachment system is simple but can be a bit cumbersome to install initially. The build quality is acceptable for the price point, but it doesn’t inspire confidence in long-term durability.

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black is relatively user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve. However, the lack of adjustability may make it uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with larger frames.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black is questionable. The nylon webbing is prone to fraying, and the plastic adjustment buckles seem like potential weak points. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient for maintenance.

Repairing the sling would likely be difficult due to its simple construction. Replacing damaged components might be more trouble than it’s worth, given the sling’s low cost.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as the sling is designed for universal compatibility rather than specific rifle models. There are no built-in attachment points for adding pouches or other accessories. It is what it is, and there is not much that can be done to change it.

Pros and Cons of Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black

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Who Should Buy Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black?

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black is perfect for:

• Casual air rifle shooters who need a simple, affordable carrying solution.
• Those who prioritize lightweight design and ease of use over comfort and durability.
• Users with break barrel air rifles who want to avoid interference with the cocking mechanism.

Who should skip this product?

• Serious air rifle enthusiasts who demand high-quality materials and maximum comfort.
• Those who require a highly adjustable sling for a customized fit.
• Users who anticipate heavy use and need a sling that can withstand harsh conditions.

Must-have accessories or modifications? There are no must-have accessories.

Conclusion on Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black is a budget-friendly option that provides a basic carrying solution for air rifles. It’s simple, lightweight, and easy to install, making it suitable for casual users who don’t need advanced features or exceptional durability. It does solve a problem, at a price point that is nearly impossible to beat.

The price is certainly justified for what you get. However, the limited adjustability and minimal padding may be a drawback for some users. The durability of the sling is also a concern, particularly with heavy use.

I would recommend the Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black to casual air rifle shooters who are on a tight budget and need a simple, functional carrying solution. However, those who demand high-quality materials, maximum comfort, and long-term durability should consider investing in a more expensive sling.

The Gun Buddy Air Rifle Sling Black delivers basic functionality at an unbeatable price. If that’s all you need, give it a shot.

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