Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling Review

First Thoughts on the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling promises rapid transitions from carry to shooting positions, and for a seasoned outdoorsman like myself, that’s an alluring proposition. Butler Creek has been a recognizable name in the accessory market for years, and this sling, with its included swivels and affordable price point of $18.99, presents itself as a practical solution for many firearm enthusiasts. My initial curiosity stems from a desire for a lightweight, adaptable sling that doesn’t break the bank and can handle the rigors of diverse hunting and tactical scenarios.

I’ve been searching for a sling that allows me to quickly shoulder my rifle without fumbling, particularly when moving through dense brush or tracking game. Many slings I’ve used in the past either lacked sufficient padding for comfortable carry, or were too cumbersome to efficiently transition into a shooting position. I often find myself needing to quickly respond to fleeting shot opportunities, and a slow or awkward sling can mean the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed.

Upon unboxing, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling feels surprisingly robust for its price. The neoprene padding appears to be comfortable enough for extended carry, and the built-in thumb loop is a thoughtful addition. The included Uncle Mike’s locking swivels are a welcome inclusion, saving me the hassle and expense of purchasing them separately.

Compared to higher-end slings like the Magpul MS4 or the Viking Tactics VTAC sling, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling lacks the advanced adjustability and modularity of those options. However, the Butler Creek sling’s simplicity and value proposition are what drew me to it. My initial impression is cautiously optimistic, and I’m eager to see how it performs in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling during a weekend deer hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain was a mix of steep inclines, thick underbrush, and rocky outcroppings. This diverse environment put the sling’s adjustability and comfort to the test.

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling performed adequately in dry conditions, and the one-handed adjustment feature proved to be genuinely useful for tightening the sling while navigating tricky terrain. However, the neoprene padding did become noticeably slippery when exposed to light rain, impacting my grip and stability. There were no immediate issues with the sling during the first use, but I felt that the neoprene could be more robust.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in various hunting and range scenarios, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling has shown some signs of wear and tear. The neoprene padding has started to compress slightly in high-contact areas, although the sling’s overall functionality remains intact. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water has kept the sling relatively clean.

Compared to my experience with other slings, like those made from nylon webbing, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling is less resistant to abrasion and water damage. However, given its price point, the performance is acceptable. I am still using it because of its ease of use and quick adjustments.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling

Specifications

• The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling is designed for quick transitions between carrying and shooting positions. This is crucial for hunters needing to react to sudden opportunities.
• It includes Uncle Mike’s locking swivels for easy installation. This is a significant value-add.
• The sling adjusts from 27″ to 36″ and is 1 1/4″ wide. The adjustability ensures a comfortable fit for users of different sizes.
• It is made of neoprene. The material provides some padding for comfort.
• The sling is black. This is a standard, versatile color that blends in with most firearms and gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling performs reasonably well for its intended purpose. The one-handed adjustment is a standout feature, allowing for rapid tightening or loosening of the sling. While the neoprene padding provides decent comfort, it can become slippery when wet.

The main strength of this sling lies in its ease of use and affordability, however, the durability of the neoprene padding is a potential weakness. It largely meets expectations, but the limited adjustability compared to higher-end slings is a factor to consider. I find that the neoprene is not as durable as other slings, but it is still a great sling.

Design & Ergonomics

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling features a straightforward design. The neoprene padding adds comfort.

The built-in thumb loop is a nice ergonomic touch, however, there is a small learning curve in mastering the one-handed adjustment while maintaining a stable grip on the firearm. The neoprene can become uncomfortable after long periods of wear.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling is a concern, primarily due to the neoprene padding. The material is prone to compression and can degrade over time with exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a mild detergent and water, it is still important to take care of the neoprene. The durability is not as good as slings with nylon.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling comes with Uncle Mike’s locking swivels, which are its main accessory. It is designed for direct attachment to firearms with standard swivel studs.

There aren’t many customization options available for this sling, as it’s a fairly basic design, you can replace the included swivels with higher-quality alternatives if desired. I would recommend better swivels in general.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling

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Who Should Buy Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling?

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling is perfect for budget-minded hunters, recreational shooters, and those seeking a simple and functional sling for occasional use. It’s an ideal choice for individuals who prioritize affordability and ease of use over advanced features and long-term durability.

This product is not ideal for serious tactical users, competitive shooters, or individuals who require a highly durable and adjustable sling for demanding conditions. For these users, higher-end slings with more robust materials and customizable features would be a better investment. It’s a great sling for beginners.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sling lubricant to help prevent wear on the neoprene, better quality swivels, or a water repellent coating to improve grip in wet conditions.

Conclusion on Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling

The Butler Creek Quick Carry Padded Adjustable Sling offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking an affordable and functional firearm sling. While it may lack the advanced features and robust durability of higher-end options, its ease of use, included swivels, and comfortable padding make it a practical choice for recreational users and budget-conscious hunters.

The price is definitely justified. It provides good functionality at a very reasonable cost.

I would recommend it to those seeking a simple and affordable sling for occasional use. It is a great option for beginners who need a budget sling. I give it a tentative thumbs-up with the caveat that buyers should be aware of its limitations and potential durability issues. Give it a try and see if it is what you need.

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