First Thoughts on the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling arrives as a seemingly simple accessory, yet promises a significant upgrade in comfort and functionality for any rifle or shotgun owner. Butler Creek has a long-standing reputation for producing quality, no-nonsense gear for the outdoorsman, and this sling appears to continue that tradition. I was intrigued to see if it could live up to the hype, especially given its affordable price point.
What prompted my search for a new sling was a recurring issue with my old nylon sling digging into my shoulder during long hunting trips. The weight of my rifle combined with the thin strap made for a truly uncomfortable experience. I was seeking something that would distribute the weight more evenly and provide a more comfortable carry, without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the softness of the suede. It felt genuinely premium, a far cry from the rough synthetic materials found on many other slings in this price range. The padding seemed adequate, and the overall construction appeared solid. My initial thought was, “this feels like a significant upgrade over my current sling.”
I considered several other slings before settling on the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling. I looked at a neoprene sling from a competing brand, but the synthetic feel wasn’t appealing. Another option was a leather sling from a higher-end manufacturer, but the price was prohibitive. The Butler Creek option seemed to strike the perfect balance between quality, comfort, and affordability.
My first impression was one of pleasant surprise. It exceeded my expectations, given the reasonable price. I was excited to test it out in the field and see if it could truly deliver on its promise of comfortable carry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling came during a weekend whitetail deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The terrain was rugged, and I spent a considerable amount of time hiking through dense forests and up steep inclines with my rifle slung over my shoulder. The weather was dry, but cool, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sling immediately proved its worth. The padded suede shoulder section distributed the weight of my rifle much more effectively than my old nylon sling. It eliminated the pressure points that had caused me so much discomfort in the past. The suede also provided a secure grip on my shoulder, preventing the rifle from slipping, even when traversing steep terrain.
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling was easy to adjust, allowing me to quickly tighten or loosen it as needed. There was no learning curve involved; it was simple and intuitive to use right out of the box. One minor surprise was how well the brown suede blended into the natural surroundings. This added a subtle advantage when stalking deer.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear, despite being subjected to various weather conditions and rugged terrain. The stitching remains tight, and the suede has retained its softness and pliability.
The sling requires minimal maintenance. I’ve spot-cleaned it a couple of times with a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud. The suede seems to be naturally resistant to staining, and it dries quickly. Compared to my previous experience with nylon slings that frayed easily and required frequent cleaning, the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling has been a welcome improvement.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling
Specifications
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling boasts a number of features that contribute to its overall performance and user experience. The suede leather construction on both sides provides a soft and comfortable feel against the shoulder. Its 1-inch swivel size is compatible with most standard rifle and shotgun swivel studs.
The sling is 36 inches long and 1 inch wide, offering ample adjustment for various body sizes and carrying preferences. The extra-wide shoulder pad enhances comfort by distributing weight evenly. The western stitching not only adds a touch of aesthetic appeal but also helps the sling lay flat against the body. The brown color provides a classic and versatile look that complements most firearms.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sling’s comfort, durability, and functionality. The suede leather provides a luxurious feel and prevents slippage. The width and length ensure a secure and adjustable fit. The padded shoulder section minimizes discomfort during extended carry.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling performs its primary job exceptionally well: providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. It eliminates the neck and shoulder pain associated with thinner, less-padded slings. Its design allows for easy and quick adjustment, making it suitable for various shooting positions.
The sling’s main strength lies in its comfortable shoulder pad and non-slip suede construction. This combination ensures that the firearm stays securely in place, even during strenuous activity. One area that could potentially be improved is the swivel hardware. While functional, it feels slightly less robust than the rest of the sling.
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling meets and slightly exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of comfortable carry and provides a noticeable upgrade over traditional nylon slings. Its affordable price makes it an even more attractive option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling features a classic and functional design. The use of suede leather gives it a premium look and feel. The wide shoulder pad is well-padded and contours comfortably to the body.
The sling is incredibly user-friendly; there’s no learning curve involved. The simple adjustment buckles allow for easy customization of the sling’s length. The overall weight is minimal, adding no noticeable burden to the firearm.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling appears to be built to last. The high-quality suede leather and sturdy stitching suggest a long lifespan. With proper care, it should withstand years of use in various outdoor conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward; spot cleaning with a damp cloth is typically sufficient. Occasional conditioning of the suede leather may help to preserve its pliability and prevent cracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling does not come with any additional accessories. Its design is relatively simple and does not lend itself to extensive customization. However, the 1-inch swivels are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket swivel studs.
Users can easily replace the existing swivels with quick-detach versions for added convenience. It is compatible with most rifles and shotguns that have standard swivel studs.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling
Pros
- Provides exceptional comfort thanks to the padded suede shoulder section.
- The suede material offers a secure, non-slip grip on the shoulder.
- Easy to adjust for different body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Offers a classic and aesthetically pleasing design.
- Highly affordable compared to other premium slings.
Cons
- The swivel hardware could be more robust.
- Suede, while durable, may require occasional conditioning to prevent cracking over time.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling?
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who carries a rifle or shotgun for extended periods. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and affordable upgrade over traditional nylon slings. It’s especially beneficial for those who experience shoulder or neck pain while carrying firearms.
Those who prioritize ultra-rugged durability and extreme weather resistance might want to consider a sling made from synthetic materials like nylon or Cordura. Individuals who prefer a more tactical look or require extensive customization options may also find this sling too simple.
A must-have accessory for this sling would be a set of high-quality swivel studs if your firearm doesn’t already have them. Quick-detach swivels can also enhance convenience.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling
The Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling is a fantastic value proposition. It delivers exceptional comfort and functionality at an affordable price. The quality of the suede leather and the thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for any firearm owner.
The price is more than justified by the significant improvement in carrying comfort. It rivals the performance of slings costing significantly more.
I would absolutely recommend the Butler Creek Brown Padded Suede Sling to anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable way to carry their rifle or shotgun. It’s a simple yet effective accessory that can make a world of difference in the field. Upgrade your carrying experience today; you won’t regret it!