Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling Review

First Thoughts on the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling promises comfort and functionality for any rifle owner looking to ease the burden of carrying their firearm. Offered by Butler Creek, this sling boasts features like neoprene construction, a comfort stretch backing, and non-slip grippers, all wrapped in the popular Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field, I was eager to see if this budget-friendly sling could stand up to the rigors of real-world use and compete with higher-priced options.

Years of humping rifles through dense woods and across open fields have taught me the importance of a good sling. A poor sling can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even affect your shooting accuracy. I needed a reliable sling that could distribute weight evenly and stay put on my shoulder, especially during long treks.

Upon receiving the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling, I immediately noticed its lightweight feel and the familiar Mossy Oak camo. The neoprene felt soft to the touch, and the stitching appeared solid. Compared to a basic nylon sling I’d been using, this felt like a significant upgrade. It’s not as robust-feeling as some of the padded leather slings I’ve owned, nor does it offer the modularity of tactical slings from brands like Magpul, but for its price, I was pleasantly surprised.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the materials seemed decent, I reserved judgment until I could test its performance in the field. I was particularly interested in how well the non-slip grippers would perform and whether the neoprene would hold up to sweat and moisture.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling was a whitetail hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was damp and cool, typical for late fall in that region. I attached the sling to my deer rifle using Uncle Mike’s QD swivels (not included, as noted in the product description).

Right away, I appreciated the comfort of the neoprene against my shoulder. It distributed the weight of my rifle much better than my old nylon sling. I noticed the Comfort Stretch backing worked as advertised, providing a slight give that absorbed some of the bounce as I hiked.

The Non-Slip Grippers did their job admirably, keeping the sling firmly in place even as I navigated steep terrain and thick brush. I didn’t have to constantly readjust the sling, which was a welcome change. The only issue was a slight squeaking noise from the neoprene rubbing against my jacket after hours of walking, but it wasn’t a major distraction.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during various hunting trips and range sessions, the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the neoprene hasn’t stretched out or become deformed.

The waterproof closed-cell neoprene lived up to its claim, repelling moisture and preventing the sling from becoming waterlogged on rainy days. Cleaning the sling is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. This is a welcome change from some slings that require specialized cleaning solutions.

Compared to some of the more expensive slings I’ve used, the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling doesn’t offer the same level of adjustability or durability. However, considering its price point, it has exceeded my expectations. It’s a reliable and comfortable sling that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling

Specifications

• Type: Sling. This is a traditional rifle sling designed for carrying and supporting a firearm.
• Swivel Size: 1″. This dimension determines the size of the swivels needed to attach the sling to the rifle.
• Length: 20″- 46″. The adjustable length accommodates various body sizes and carrying preferences.
• Width: 2.50″. This provides a comfortable surface area to distribute the rifle’s weight on your shoulder.
• Color: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. The camouflage pattern helps blend in with natural surroundings, ideal for hunters.
• Material: Neoprene. This provides cushioning, water resistance, and a degree of stretch for added comfort.

These specifications translate to a sling that’s versatile enough to fit a wide range of users and rifles. The neoprene construction is a standout feature, offering a balance of comfort, durability, and weather resistance. The length adjustability is crucial for tailoring the sling to your specific needs, whether you’re carrying the rifle across your chest or slung over your shoulder.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling performs its primary function—carrying a rifle—very well. The Comfort Stretch backing reduces felt weight, making long treks more bearable. The Non-Slip Grippers prevent the sling from sliding off your shoulder, freeing up your hands for other tasks.

One potential weakness is the lack of padding beyond the neoprene itself. While the neoprene is comfortable, heavier rifles might benefit from additional padding for extended carrying. Additionally, the absence of quick-adjust features (common on tactical slings) means that adjusting the sling length on the fly can be a bit cumbersome.

Overall, the sling meets expectations for its price range. It provides a comfortable and secure way to carry a rifle, although it lacks some of the advanced features found on higher-end models.

Design & Ergonomics

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling boasts a simple yet functional design. The neoprene construction is lightweight and comfortable. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern is aesthetically pleasing to most hunters.

The sling is easy to use, requiring no special skills or knowledge to install and adjust. However, the adjustment buckles can be a bit stiff at times. The wider width helps distribute weight evenly, preventing pressure points on your shoulder.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling appears to be reasonably durable. The neoprene is resistant to tearing and abrasion. The stitching seems well-executed.

Maintenance is straightforward. The neoprene is easy to clean with soap and water. Regular cleaning will help extend the sling’s lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling does not come with any accessories. The product description explicitly states that Uncle Mike’s QD quick detachable one-inch swivels with Tri-Lock are not included. This is a significant point to consider, as you’ll need to purchase these separately to attach the sling to your rifle.

There are no inherent customization options for the sling itself. However, you can easily replace the swivels with different types or brands to suit your preferences.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling

Who Should Buy Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling?

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone looking for a comfortable and affordable way to carry their rifle. It’s particularly well-suited for those who spend long hours in the field or on the range. Its camo pattern makes it ideal for hunting applications, and its weather-resistant properties make it suitable for use in various conditions.

This sling might not be the best choice for tactical shooters who require quick-adjust features or modular attachment points. Also, individuals carrying extremely heavy rifles for extended periods might prefer a sling with more substantial padding.

A must-have accessory for this sling is a set of Uncle Mike’s QD quick detachable one-inch swivels with Tri-Lock, or a compatible alternative, as they are necessary for attaching the sling to your rifle.

Conclusion on Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling

The Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling is a solid choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, reliable, and affordable rifle sling. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it excels in its core function: providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a rifle. The neoprene construction, non-slip grippers, and adjustable length make it a versatile option for a wide range of users.

The price is definitely justified, especially considering the comfort and performance it offers. The fact that swivels are not included is a minor drawback, but the overall value remains excellent.

I would absolutely recommend the Butler Creek Adjustable Mossy Oak Break Up Rifle Sling to anyone looking for a budget-friendly upgrade from a basic nylon sling or a reliable replacement for a worn-out sling. It’s a simple yet effective product that delivers on its promises. Pick one up, grab some swivels, and get out there!