Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch Review

First Thoughts on the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch sling promises a world of difference when it comes to carrying a firearm or even a heavy piece of gear. For someone like me, who’s spent years humping rifles across unforgiving terrain, the promise of reduced felt weight and a smoother carry is incredibly appealing. I’ve used everything from basic nylon straps to heavily padded tactical slings, and the Comfort Stretch’s simplicity and focus on weight distribution caught my eye.

What really drew me to the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch was the need for a reliable, comfortable sling for long days in the field. My old sling, a standard military-style nylon strap, was digging into my shoulder after just a few hours of carrying my rifle during a recent elk hunt. The constant pressure and lack of padding were distracting and frankly, painful. I needed something that would distribute the weight better and provide some cushioning without adding bulk or compromising maneuverability.

My first impression upon unboxing the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch was positive. It felt lightweight and the material seemed durable enough for moderate use. The padding was surprisingly soft, and the Non-Slip Grippers seemed promising. Compared to other slings I’ve used, like the Magpul MS4 or a generic padded sling, the Comfort Stretch felt less bulky and more streamlined. I chose it over the Magpul mainly because of the price point and the promise of stretchable comfort. I was optimistic but also a little skeptical – could something so simple really make a significant difference?

Initially, I was excited by the promise of comfort but also cautious about the long-term durability of the stretchable material. Would it sag or lose its elasticity after extended use? Only time would tell, but my first impression was definitely leaning towards excitement.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch to the Test

First Use Experience

I put the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch through its paces during a weekend-long hog hunt in central Texas. The terrain was a mix of thick brush, open fields, and muddy creek beds, providing a good variety of challenges. The weather was typical for Texas – hot and humid.

The first few hours with the sling were a revelation. The Comfort Stretch lived up to its name, effectively absorbing the bounce of my rifle as I moved through the brush. The weight felt noticeably lighter, and the Non-Slip Grippers kept the sling securely in place, even when I was scrambling over fallen logs. It was far easier to maneuver without constantly readjusting the sling. The ease of use was immediate; there was no learning curve.

However, I did notice one small issue. The stretchable material, while comfortable, seemed to absorb sweat more readily than a traditional nylon sling. This wasn’t a major problem, but it did make the sling feel a bit damp against my shoulder after a few hours in the heat.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and another hunting weekend, the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the material or stitching. The elasticity of the stretchable section hasn’t diminished noticeably.

Cleaning the sling is relatively simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. However, I did find that it takes a bit longer to dry than a nylon sling due to the padding and stretchable material. Overall, the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch outperforms my previous experiences with basic slings in terms of comfort and weight distribution. It doesn’t quite match the adjustability and features of a high-end tactical sling, but it offers a significant improvement over a standard strap at a fraction of the cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch

Specifications

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch sling is designed for comfort and ease of use. It features a stretchable construction that absorbs shock and reduces felt weight.

• Stretchable Construction: This is the core of the sling’s comfort. It allows for some give, minimizing the jarring effect of carrying a heavy load.
• Soft Padding: Provides cushioning and prevents the sling from digging into your shoulder. The padding is surprisingly effective for its thickness.
• Non-Slip Grippers: These keep the sling securely in place on your shoulder. They prevent slipping, even when wearing smooth clothing or moving dynamically.
• Available with or without Uncle Mike’s® QD Swivels: This offers flexibility in attachment options. You can choose the version that best suits your existing setup.

These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the sling’s primary function: making it more comfortable to carry a firearm for extended periods. The stretchable construction reduces fatigue, the padding prevents discomfort, and the grippers ensure the sling stays in place.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch excels at its primary job – providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. It effectively reduces felt weight and minimizes shoulder fatigue.

The main strength is the comfort afforded by the stretchable material and padding. One potential weakness is that the stretch might be too much for some users who prefer a more rigid sling. The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch definitely meets expectations for a comfortable, lightweight sling.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is good for the price point. The materials feel durable enough for moderate use. The weight is minimal, and the sling feels comfortable against the body.

It’s incredibly user-friendly; there’s no learning curve. It’s a simple design that prioritizes comfort and functionality.

Durability & Maintenance

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch seems reasonably durable. The stretchable material hasn’t shown any signs of degradation after several weeks of use. Maintenance is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch itself doesn’t have extensive customization options, but the inclusion of, or lack thereof, Uncle Mike’s® QD Swivels is the primary consideration.

It’s compatible with any firearm that accepts standard sling swivels, and many aftermarket swivels are available if you want to upgrade or customize the attachment points.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch

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Who Should Buy Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch?

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who needs a comfortable and affordable sling for carrying a firearm for extended periods. It’s also a good option for hikers or outdoorsmen who use a sling to carry other gear.

Someone who needs a highly adjustable or feature-rich tactical sling should skip this product. Additionally, those who prefer a more rigid sling might find the stretchable material off-putting. Must-have accessories are a good set of QD swivels if you opt for the version without them.

Conclusion on Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch

The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is a surprisingly effective and affordable sling. It delivers on its promise of comfort and reduced felt weight. The price is definitely justified, especially considering the significant improvement it offers over a standard nylon sling.

I would absolutely recommend the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch to anyone looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly sling. If you’re tired of shoulder fatigue and want a simple solution that actually works, give this sling a try. It might just surprise you. Upgrade your carry today!

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