Let’s Dive into Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling promises lightning-fast, one-handed adjustments, making it ideal for hunters and tactical users needing to transition rapidly from carrying to shooting. Butler Creek, a well-known name in shooting accessories, designed this sling for comfort, support, and quiet operation. Is this sling the solution for those frustrating moments of fumbling with gear while trying to get on target?
I needed a reliable and easily adjustable sling for my AR-15 during hog hunts. My old sling was cumbersome, difficult to adjust quickly, and created unwanted noise when moving through dense brush. I was looking for a sling that wouldn’t hinder my speed or alert my prey.
My first impression upon unboxing was positive; the nylon webbing felt robust, and the included Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels were a welcome addition. The sling felt lightweight yet sturdy. The polymer hardware appeared well-made and ready for field use.
I considered the Magpul MS4 and the Viking Tactics VTAC sling before settling on the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling. The Magpul was more expensive, and the VTAC, while highly regarded, seemed overkill for my specific needs. The Butler Creek seemed to offer a good balance of features and affordability.
Initial excitement tempered slightly with the realization that adjusting the sling shorter required two hands, despite the one-hand claim. Overall, though, the quality materials and included swivels gave me confidence in its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test was a hog hunt in the Texas Hill Country. I used the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling on my AR-15 while traversing through thick brush and maneuvering over uneven terrain. The sling’s ability to quickly lengthen for comfortable carry was immediately appreciated.
The sling performed well in the dry, dusty conditions. I was able to adjust the length with relative ease, drawing the rifle to my shoulder for quick target acquisition when needed. One-handed lengthening worked flawlessly, but shortening required two hands, which was a minor inconvenience.
The Quick Carry Sling was easy to use, despite the two-handed shortening adjustment. The thumb loop provided a comfortable and secure hold, preventing the rifle from slipping off my shoulder. No break-in period was necessary.
The only initial issue was the noise from the polymer hardware rubbing against the rifle’s stock. A bit of paracord wrapping mitigated this issue. Otherwise, the first use was a positive experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it on multiple hunts and range trips. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The nylon webbing remains strong and shows no fraying or stretching. The Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels are still securely attached and function smoothly. The polymer hardware has shown no signs of cracking or breaking.
Cleaning the sling is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes dirt and dust. I’ve also occasionally used a mild detergent to remove more stubborn grime. Maintaining the sling is easy.
Compared to my previous sling, the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling offers superior comfort, adjustability, and overall reliability. While the two-handed shortening adjustment is a minor drawback, the benefits far outweigh this issue. It definitely outperforms my previous experience with other slings.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling
Specifications
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling features 1.25-inch wide nylon webbing for comfort and support. It’s adjustable in length from 27 to 36 inches to accommodate different body sizes and carrying preferences. The sling comes in various colors, including black (Butler Creek 80091), Mossy Oak Break Up (Butler Creek 80092), and Realtree AP (Butler Creek 80098). A padded version is also available in black (Butler Creek 80095).
The inclusion of Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels is a significant advantage, ensuring secure and reliable attachment to the firearm. The sling is constructed with matte finish polymer hardware, minimizing noise and preventing damage to the firearm’s finish. The material is specified as padded fabric on some models.
These specifications contribute to the sling’s overall performance and user experience. The width and adjustability ensure comfortable carry. The swivels provide secure attachment, and the quiet hardware prevents alerting game.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling performs its job admirably, providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a rifle. Its primary strength lies in its ability to quickly lengthen for easy shouldering. It is also lightweight and durable.
The one-handed lengthening adjustment works flawlessly, allowing for rapid transitions from carrying to shooting. The two-handed shortening adjustment is a slight inconvenience. The polymer hardware could be quieter.
The sling meets and exceeds expectations for a sling in its price range. It offers a solid combination of comfort, adjustability, and reliability. It makes carrying your firearm easier.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling features a simple yet functional design. The nylon webbing is comfortable against the body, even during extended use. The thumb loop provides a secure and comfortable grip.
The sling is relatively user-friendly, although the two-handed shortening adjustment requires some getting used to. The lack of padding on the standard models may be a drawback for some users. No steep learning curve is involved.
The build quality is good for the price, with durable materials and solid construction. The sling is lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the firearm. It is designed for easy use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling is constructed from durable materials and should last for years with proper care. The nylon webbing is resistant to tearing and fraying. The polymer hardware is strong and unlikely to break under normal use.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The swivels may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
The sling is designed for long-term use and is relatively easy to maintain. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone needing a reliable and affordable sling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling comes standard with Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels. These swivels are compatible with most firearms equipped with QD attachment points. The sling itself offers limited customization options.
Users can add aftermarket padding or shoulder pads for increased comfort. Paracord wrapping can be used to quiet down the polymer hardware. Otherwise, the sling is primarily designed for basic functionality.
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling is compatible with a wide range of firearms and accessories. However, it is not designed for extensive customization. It is designed to be functional.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling
Pros
- One-handed lengthening adjustment allows for rapid transitions from carry to shooting.
- Includes high-quality Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels for secure attachment.
- Durable nylon webbing ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Lightweight design doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the firearm.
Cons
- Shortening the sling requires two hands, despite the “Quick Carry” name.
- Polymer hardware can create some noise when rubbing against the firearm.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling?
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and tactical users who need a reliable and affordable sling. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes ease of use and quick adjustability. Those wanting a simple way to carry their rifle.
Those who need a truly one-handed adjustment sling, especially for shortening, or require extremely quiet operation should consider other options. Users demanding extensive customization or heavy padding might also look elsewhere. It is not necessarily for all users.
Must-have accessories include paracord for quieting the hardware and potentially an aftermarket shoulder pad for added comfort during extended use. Consider these options before committing to the sling.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling
The Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling provides excellent value for its price. While the two-handed shortening adjustment is a minor drawback, the sling’s overall performance, durability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. It does provide excellent value.
The price is justified, considering the inclusion of Uncle Mike’s QD Super Swivels and the durable nylon construction. It offers a significant upgrade over basic slings without breaking the bank. You get excellent value.
I would personally recommend the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable sling for their rifle. It’s a solid choice for hunters, recreational shooters, and tactical users alike. Try it out.
If you’re in the market for a new sling, give the Butler Creek Quick Carry Sling a try. You might be surprised at how much it improves your carrying experience!