First Thoughts on the Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado
Shotgun slings are often an afterthought, but after lugging a 12-gauge through dense brush all day, you quickly realize the importance of a comfortable and reliable sling. The Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado promises both, offering a blend of comfort and functionality at a compelling price point. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field, I’m eager to see if this sling lives up to the hype.
I was looking for a sling that would distribute the weight of my shotgun more evenly, reducing fatigue on my shoulder and neck during long hunts. The promise of “Comfort Stretch” technology immediately piqued my interest. Upon unboxing, the sling felt surprisingly plush, the neoprene offering a noticeable give. The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern looks great, seamlessly blending with the environments where I typically hunt waterfowl.
I considered the Allen Company’s Cottonwood shotgun sling and the Quake Claw sling, both popular options. I ultimately chose the Butler Creek due to its blend of neoprene comfort and the loop attachment system, as my older shotgun lacks swivel studs. My first impression was positive; the material felt durable, and the camo pattern was well-executed. I’m excited to put it through its paces in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado during a three-day waterfowl hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were typical for late season: cold, wet, and muddy. The sling was easy to attach to my Remington 870, even without swivel studs.
The “Comfort Stretch” feature was immediately noticeable. Even with a fully loaded shotgun, the sling absorbed much of the shock from walking and climbing over logs. I didn’t experience the usual shoulder fatigue I’m accustomed to after a few hours. The non-slip grippers kept the shotgun securely in place, preventing it from sliding off my shoulder, even when navigating difficult terrain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Butler Creek sling has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to mud, water, and brush. The neoprene has retained its shape and cushioning, and the stitching remains intact.
Cleaning the sling is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime. The Butler Creek sling has outperformed my previous experiences with cheaper nylon slings. Those slings often stretched and frayed after only a few outings. I am extremely satisfied with the durability and comfort.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado
Specifications
- Type: Sling
- Swivel Size: None Included – designed for shotguns without swivel studs, utilizing loops for attachment.
- Length: 44″ – Adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Width: 2.50″ – Provides a wider surface area for weight distribution and increased comfort.
- Color: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades – A popular camouflage pattern for waterfowl hunting.
- Material: Neoprene – Known for its shock-absorbing properties, water resistance, and comfortable feel.
These specifications are critical for performance. The neoprene material is key to the sling’s comfort, reducing felt weight and making long carries more manageable. The 2.5″ width helps distribute the shotgun’s weight evenly across the shoulder, further enhancing comfort. The adjustable 44″ length ensures a proper fit for various users and carrying styles, whether slung over the shoulder or across the chest.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado performs its job admirably. The sling effectively distributes the weight of the shotgun, reducing fatigue and allowing for comfortable all-day carry. The non-slip grippers prevent the shotgun from sliding off the shoulder, even during strenuous activity.
The main strength of this sling is its comfort, thanks to the neoprene material and wide design. A potential weakness might be its suitability for extremely heavy shotguns; while it handles standard 12-gauge models well, users with heavier magnum loads might prefer a sling with additional padding. It definitely exceeds expectations given its affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive for a sling in this price range. The neoprene feels durable and well-stitched, and the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern is sharp and realistic. The sling’s width and padding contribute to its comfort in use.
There is virtually no learning curve; the sling is easy to attach and adjust. Its simplicity is one of its strengths. The loop attachment system is particularly useful for older shotguns that lack swivel studs.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, I expect this sling to last for several seasons of regular use. The neoprene is resistant to water and wear, and the stitching appears to be robust. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a damp cloth and mild soap as needed. The sling’s simple design ensures that there are no complex parts to break or require specialized maintenance. This ease of care adds to its value.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular Butler Creek model is designed as a standalone sling. It doesn’t come with any additional accessories or customization options beyond its adjustable length. However, users can potentially add aftermarket swivel studs to their shotguns if desired, allowing for compatibility with slings that utilize swivel attachments.
The sling is compatible with most shotguns, regardless of brand. Its loop attachment system makes it universally adaptable. The lack of included accessories is not a significant drawback, as the sling provides everything needed for basic functionality and comfort.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado
Pros
- Comfortable neoprene material reduces felt weight and fatigue.
- Non-slip grippers keep the shotgun securely in place.
- Adjustable length accommodates different body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camouflage pattern blends well with waterfowl hunting environments.
- Affordable price point makes it an excellent value.
Cons
- May not be ideal for extremely heavy shotguns.
- Lacks advanced features or customization options found on higher-end slings.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado?
Perfect for: Hunters, especially waterfowl hunters who spend long hours in the field. Also suited for recreational shooters seeking a comfortable and affordable sling. It’s ideal for anyone using an older shotgun without swivel studs.
Who should skip this product? Those who require a sling with advanced features such as quick-release buckles or integrated cartridge holders. Also, individuals with extremely heavy shotguns might prefer a sling with more substantial padding.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None are essential, but adding swivel studs to your shotgun (if possible) will increase compatibility with other sling types. This allows for greater versatility.
Conclusion on Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado
The Butler Creek 190024 Comfort Stretch Shotgun 44″ x 2.5″ Neoprene Mossy Oak Shado is an excellent value proposition. It delivers exceptional comfort and functionality at an affordable price. The neoprene material and non-slip grippers make it a joy to use, even during long days in the field.
The price is certainly justified by the performance and durability. The sling will enhance any shotgun owner’s hunting or shooting experience.
I would definitely recommend this sling to anyone seeking a comfortable, reliable, and affordable option. It’s a worthwhile investment that will make those long days in the field a whole lot more enjoyable. Upgrade your shotgun sling today and experience the difference!
