Let’s Dive into Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling promises comfort and security for carrying your rifle, and in the world of tactical gear, a reliable sling is paramount. Butler Creek, a name synonymous with practical and affordable firearm accessories, aims to deliver just that with this offering. This isn’t some fancy, high-speed, low-drag operator sling, but rather a straightforward, no-nonsense solution for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone needing a comfortable way to carry their rifle.
I sought out the Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling because my old surplus sling was digging into my shoulder during long hikes. The problem was simple: I needed a sling that could evenly distribute weight and wouldn’t slip off my shoulder while navigating rough terrain. I yearned for a sling that felt like an extension of my gear rather than a burden.
Upon unboxing, the Easy Rider Sling felt surprisingly plush, thanks to its thick neoprene padding. The shark skin rubberized backing looked promising for providing a secure grip against clothing. The build quality seemed decent for the price, with neatly sewn edges and robust polypro webbing.
Compared to my basic nylon sling and a more expensive padded sling from another brand, the Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling stood out for its balance of comfort and affordability. The higher-end sling felt more durable, but its price was hard to justify for my needs. I picked the Easy Rider for its seemingly ideal combination of comfort, grip, and value.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The padding felt great, and the shark skin backing seemed like a brilliant feature. However, the lightweight construction made me wonder about its long-term durability, a concern I hoped to address through rigorous testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds was a weekend deer hunt in the Pennsylvania Allegheny National Forest. The varied terrain, from dense underbrush to steep inclines, would provide an excellent proving ground for the sling. The weather cooperated (or rather, didn’t), offering a mix of light rain and damp conditions.
The Easy Rider Sling performed admirably, keeping my rifle securely on my shoulder while I navigated the uneven terrain. The neoprene padding proved its worth, distributing the rifle’s weight evenly and preventing the dreaded shoulder fatigue. The shark skin backing prevented slippage, even with a wet jacket.
The sling was intuitive to use, requiring no break-in period. Adjusting the length was simple, even with gloved hands. However, the excess strap length did flap around a bit, which I later addressed with some tape.
My only initial concern was the plastic adjustment buckle; I wondered how it would hold up long-term. Otherwise, the first outing was a resounding success, confirming my initial hopes for comfort and grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, spanning multiple hunting trips, range visits, and even a weekend camping excursion, the Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling continues to impress. While it may not be bombproof, it has proven surprisingly resilient. There are no signs of tearing or seam failure.
The only noticeable wear and tear is some slight compression of the neoprene padding in the areas of highest pressure, but this hasn’t affected comfort. The polypro webbing has shown no signs of fraying or weakening.
Cleaning is straightforward; a damp cloth and mild soap are all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. The sling has resisted mildew and odors despite being exposed to damp conditions.
Compared to my old nylon sling, the Easy Rider is a night and day difference in comfort. It outperforms cheaper slings in terms of grip and rivals more expensive padded slings in overall comfort, although its long-term durability remains to be seen compared to those higher-priced options.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling
Specifications
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling boasts a length adjustable up to 48 inches. This accommodates a wide range of body sizes and carrying preferences. The sling features a 1-inch width, providing a secure attachment point for most standard swivels.
The sling is crafted from neoprene padding for comfort and a shark skin rubberized backing for a non-slip grip. The webbing is made of durable polypro material. It is designed to work with Uncle Mike’s QD 1-inch swivels.
These specifications directly translate to user experience. The 48-inch length ensures a comfortable carry for most individuals, while the 1-inch width is compatible with common swivel types. The neoprene padding provides cushioning and distributes weight, crucial for reducing fatigue during extended carries. The shark skin backing enhances stability, preventing the rifle from sliding off the shoulder, particularly in active or challenging environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling performs its primary function—securely and comfortably carrying a rifle—exceptionally well. Its design effectively distributes weight, reducing strain on the shoulder and back. The non-slip backing ensures the rifle stays in place, even during strenuous activities.
The sling’s strengths lie in its comfort and grip. Its weakness is its durability compared to heavier-duty, more expensive slings. It meets my expectations for a sling in its price range, delivering excellent comfort and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling features a simple yet effective design. The materials used feel comfortable against the skin, and the weight is negligible. The padding and non-slip backing are intelligently integrated.
The sling is user-friendly, requiring no prior experience or specialized knowledge. The length adjustment is intuitive. There is a minimal learning curve for new users.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling, while not indestructible, seems durable enough for typical hunting and recreational use. With proper care, it should last for several seasons. However, its longevity will likely be shorter than that of higher-priced slings made from more robust materials.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Repairs are unlikely to be feasible due to the sewn-in construction, but replacement is inexpensive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the sling and its integrated webbing. Note that it doesn’t come with swivels. Users will need to purchase those separately.
The sling’s compatibility with Uncle Mike’s QD 1-inch swivels makes it compatible with a wide range of rifles and shotguns. While the sling itself offers limited customization, users can personalize it by choosing different swivel types or adding accessories like sling keepers to manage excess webbing.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling
Pros
- Exceptional Comfort: The thick neoprene padding provides superior cushioning, reducing shoulder fatigue during long carries.
- Secure Grip: The shark skin rubberized backing prevents slippage, keeping the rifle firmly in place.
- Affordable Price: The sling offers excellent value for its price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy Adjustment: The sling’s length is easily adjustable, even with gloved hands, accommodating various body sizes and carrying preferences.
- Lightweight Design: The sling is lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
Cons
- Requires separate swivel purchases, an added cost.
- Long-term durability is unproven compared to higher-end slings.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling?
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone seeking a comfortable and affordable way to carry their rifle. It’s ideal for those who prioritize comfort and grip over ultimate durability. It’s especially well-suited for those who don’t want to spend a lot on a sling but want an upgrade over basic nylon slings.
Those who need a sling for extreme conditions or heavy use might want to consider a more robust, albeit more expensive, option. People needing integrated swivels right away should buy the model with them already installed.
Must-have accessories include a set of Uncle Mike’s QD 1-inch swivels. Sling keepers can help manage excess webbing and prevent it from snagging.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling
The Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling delivers on its promise of comfort and security at an affordable price. While it may not be the most durable sling on the market, its neoprene padding and shark skin backing provide an exceptional carrying experience. The comfort is something anyone can appreciate.
The price is definitely justified. It offers a significant upgrade over basic slings without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Butler Creek Easy Rider Rifle Sling to anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and budget-friendly sling for their rifle or shotgun. It’s a solid choice for recreational shooters, hunters, and anyone needing a practical carrying solution. Get yours today and experience the difference a comfortable sling can make!