The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor gear specialist, I’ve slung my fair share of rifles and shotguns across my shoulder, enduring everything from grueling mountain hunts to leisurely strolls through the local range. Many slings promise comfort and stability, but few truly deliver after a long day in the field. The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun piqued my interest with its claim of reducing felt weight by up to 50 percent, wrapped in the popular Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern.
I’d been searching for a sling that could alleviate the shoulder strain from carrying my trusty deer rifle during extended hunting trips. My old nylon sling was digging into my shoulder, causing discomfort and fatigue, especially during uphill climbs. I was also looking for something that would offer quick detachment, allowing me to rapidly deploy my rifle when needed.
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 Break-Up Country camo pattern looked sharp and blended well with my typical hunting environment. The quick-detach swivels appeared robust and well-made.
Compared to my existing nylon sling and a similar padded sling from another manufacturer, the Butler Creek immediately felt more comfortable and less rigid. I chose it primarily for the stretchable construction and the promise of reduced felt weight, hoping it would live up to the hype. I was excited to see if the comfort stretch backing truly made a difference during my next hunting excursion.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun was during a three-day deer hunt in the rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains. The weather was typical for late fall – damp, with intermittent rain and temperatures hovering around freezing. The sling was attached to my Winchester Model 70 .30-06.
The Comfort Stretch immediately proved its worth during the long hikes through dense forests and steep inclines. The stretchable construction allowed the sling to move with my body, preventing the annoying bounce and sway that I experienced with my old sling. Even with a heavy rifle, the Butler Creek sling felt noticeably more comfortable.
Attaching and detaching the sling using the quick-detach swivels was effortless, even with gloved hands. I encountered no issues with the sling slipping or losing its grip, even when wet. The ease of use was a pleasant surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Butler Creek sling has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and rough handling. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern still looks vibrant, and the neoprene padding remains soft and pliable.
Cleaning the sling is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime. I have noticed a slight discoloration in areas that are frequently exposed to sweat, but this is purely cosmetic. The swivel mechanisms have remained smooth and reliable, requiring no additional lubrication.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper slings that quickly frayed or lost their elasticity, the Butler Creek has been a significant improvement. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, durability, and ease of use. The Comfort Stretch backing truly does reduce felt weight, making it a game-changer for long days in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun
Specifications
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun is designed for comfort and convenience in the field. It features a stretchable neoprene construction designed to reduce felt weight. The quick-detach swivels facilitate rapid attachment and removal from firearms equipped with compatible swivel studs.
The sling is covered in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage for effective concealment in a variety of hunting environments. Its soft, flexible closed-cell neoprene with Comfort Stretch backing is paired with non-slip grippers to keep it firmly in place. The specifications prioritize comfort, ease of use, and concealment.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun performs its job exceptionally well, providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. The Comfort Stretch design significantly reduces the perceived weight of the rifle, making long carries much more manageable. The quick-detach swivels are reliable and easy to use, allowing for rapid deployment of the firearm when needed.
The sling’s primary strength lies in its comfort and ease of use. A potential weakness is that the neoprene material could potentially retain moisture in extremely humid or wet conditions, however, the non-slip grippers do a good job preventing this. Overall, the sling meets and exceeds expectations for a comfortable and functional firearm sling.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun is well-designed with a focus on comfort and practicality. The neoprene padding is soft and contours to the shoulder, while the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. The quick-detach swivels are robust and easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
The sling is lightweight and does not add unnecessary bulk to the firearm. There is virtually no learning curve; the sling is intuitive to use and requires minimal adjustment. The design prioritizes comfort, ease of use, and effective camouflage.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun appears to be quite durable, thanks to its high-quality neoprene construction and robust swivels. With proper care, the sling should last for many years of use. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to maintain the sling.
The swivels may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation. The neoprene material is resistant to most common solvents and oils, but it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. The durability and ease of maintenance make this sling a reliable choice for serious hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun comes with integrated quick-detach swivels. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, primarily involving the replacement of the included swivels with aftermarket versions if desired.
The sling is compatible with any firearm equipped with standard swivel studs. No other specific accessories are directly compatible with this sling. The standard configuration is usually sufficient for most users.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun
Pros
- The Comfort Stretch neoprene significantly reduces felt weight. This makes carrying heavy firearms much more comfortable during long hunts or range sessions.
- The quick-detach swivels allow for rapid attachment and removal. This is a crucial feature for hunters who need to quickly deploy their firearm in a variety of situations.
- The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern provides excellent concealment. The pattern blends seamlessly with most hunting environments.
- The non-slip grippers keep the sling firmly in place. They prevent slipping and sliding, even when wet or wearing bulky clothing.
- The sling is durable and easy to maintain. Its rugged construction ensures that it will withstand years of use, and it is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Cons
- The neoprene material may retain moisture in extremely humid or wet conditions. This could potentially cause discomfort or lead to accelerated wear and tear.
- Customization options are limited. Those who prefer to use alternative swivel systems may need to purchase aftermarket adapters.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun?
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun is perfect for hunters who spend long hours carrying their firearms in the field. Its Comfort Stretch design and quick-detach swivels make it an excellent choice for anyone who values comfort, convenience, and reliability. This sling is also ideal for recreational shooters who want a more comfortable and secure way to carry their rifles or shotguns at the range.
This product might not be the best choice for minimalist backcountry hunters who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear above all else. Those who prefer a wider range of customization options or specific swivel systems may also want to explore alternative slings. A must-have accessory is a high-quality set of swivel studs if your firearm is not already equipped.
Conclusion on Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun
The Butler Creek 181017 Comfort Stretch Quick Detach Swivel Mossy Oak Break-Up Coun is a well-designed and highly functional firearm sling that delivers on its promise of comfort and convenience. Its Comfort Stretch neoprene significantly reduces felt weight, while the quick-detach swivels provide rapid attachment and removal. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern adds an extra layer of concealment, making it an excellent choice for hunters.
At a price of $20.99, this sling offers excellent value for money. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a significant amount of time carrying a firearm. I would personally recommend this sling to any hunter or shooter looking for a comfortable, reliable, and easy-to-use carrying solution. If you are tired of shoulder strain and discomfort, give the Butler Creek sling a try – you won’t be disappointed.