First Thoughts on the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels
The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels immediately grabs your attention with its promise of simplicity and minimal bulk. Butler Creek markets it as an ultra-lightweight, durable solution for carrying your firearm in unforgiving environments. This sling is designed for those who prioritize weight and packability above all else.
I was looking for a replacement sling for my lightweight hunting rifle. My old padded sling, while comfortable, added unnecessary weight and bulk to my pack, especially on longer treks. The promise of the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling eliminating backpack interference was particularly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the sling felt incredibly light. The .04″ thick hyper-lite material felt surprisingly strong for its minimal thickness. It’s black color gives it a tactical, low-profile appearance.
I considered other slings, including padded options from Magpul and more traditional nylon slings from Viking Tactics. I chose the Butler Creek because its minimalist design directly addressed my need for reduced weight and bulk. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could something so light and simple truly be durable and comfortable enough for extended use?
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels during a weekend backcountry elk hunt in the Colorado Rockies. The terrain was varied, ranging from dense forests to steep, rocky slopes. The weather was dry and cool during the day, with temperatures dropping near freezing at night.
The sling proved easy to attach to my rifle, thanks to the included solid steel swivels. I appreciated how it didn’t interfere with my backpack as advertised. After a few adjustments, the sling sat comfortably across my shoulder. I was pleasantly surprised by the non-slip grip, which kept the rifle securely in place while navigating challenging terrain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear despite being exposed to dirt, mud, and abrasion from branches.
The hyper-lite material has proven to be remarkably durable. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes most grime. Compared to my previous padded sling, this one requires virtually no maintenance. The minimalist design has exceeded my expectations, offering a reliable and lightweight carry solution for my rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels
Specifications
- Material: The sling is constructed from .04″ thick hyper-lite material, offering exceptional tensile strength. This material boasts a tensile strength of over 3000 lbs per square inch.
- Weight: The entire sling, including the steel swivels, weighs a mere 3oz. This lightweight design minimizes added bulk and weight.
- Temperature Resistance: The hyper-lite material can withstand extreme temperatures. It functions optimally between -22 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Swivels: Solid steel swivels are included for secure attachment to most firearms. The steel swivels offer a reliable and robust connection point.
- Packability: The sling can be rolled up to the size of a baseball for easy storage. This feature makes it ideal for minimalist packing and emergency kits.
These specifications are crucial for a sling designed for demanding outdoor use. The high tensile strength ensures that the sling won’t fail under heavy loads. The extreme temperature resistance makes it suitable for use in a wide range of climates. The light weight and packability make it an excellent choice for hunters and backpackers.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels performs its primary function – carrying a firearm – effectively. It distributes the weight of the rifle reasonably well, considering its minimalist design.
Its biggest strength is its lack of interference with backpacks and other gear. The biggest weakness is that, compared to a padded sling, it offers less comfort during extended carry with heavier firearms. However, it meets expectations for a minimalist sling focused on reducing weight and bulk.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels is simple and functional. Its minimalist profile ensures it stays out of the way.
The non-slip shoulder grip is effective, preventing the rifle from sliding off the shoulder. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s easy to adjust and use right out of the package.
Durability & Maintenance
The hyper-lite material used in the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels appears very durable. Based on my testing so far, it should last for many years of regular use.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. This simplicity is a significant advantage for those who prioritize low-maintenance gear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels comes with solid steel swivels. These swivels are compatible with most standard sling attachment points on rifles and shotguns.
There are no specific customization options offered by Butler Creek for this particular sling. However, users can replace the included swivels with quick-detach (QD) swivels from other brands for added versatility. These swivels will allow for faster attachment and detachment of the sling.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight: At only 3oz, it adds virtually no weight to your gear.
- Minimalist Design: Doesn’t interfere with backpacks or other equipment.
- Durable Hyper-Lite Material: Provides surprising strength and longevity.
- Non-Slip Grip: Keeps the firearm securely in place on your shoulder.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Less comfortable than padded slings for carrying heavier firearms over long distances.
- Limited adjustability compared to more complex sling designs.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels?
The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels is perfect for hunters, backpackers, and hikers who prioritize weight savings and minimal bulk. It’s ideal for those using lightweight rifles or shotguns where comfort isn’t the primary concern.
This sling isn’t the best choice for those who prioritize maximum comfort, especially when carrying heavier firearms for extended periods. Competitive shooters who require highly adjustable slings with multiple carry configurations may also find it too simplistic. A must-have accessory is a set of quick-detach (QD) swivels to enhance the sling’s versatility.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels
The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling Black with Swivels is a fantastic option for those seeking an ultra-lightweight and packable sling. It delivers on its promise of simplicity and durability.
The price is justified, considering the quality of materials and the sling’s performance in the field. I would definitely recommend this sling to anyone looking to minimize weight and bulk in their gear setup. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable solution for carrying your firearm. If you’re looking to shed weight without sacrificing reliability, give the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Sling a try.