Let’s Dive into Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is a seemingly simple, yet essential piece of gear for any shotgun owner who values both functionality and affordability. Marketed primarily as a no-frills solution for carrying a shotgun, it boasts a design that prioritizes ease of use and reliable performance. This review will explore the sling’s merits and drawbacks, diving deep into my personal experiences with it.
I was looking for a simple and reliable way to carry my shotgun during upland bird hunts. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank and that wouldn’t interfere with my shooting. The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling seemed like the perfect candidate.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was that of rugged simplicity. The nylon webbing felt durable, the padded shoulder section offered a promising level of comfort, and the overall construction appeared solid. The lack of swivels felt unconventional, but the barrel loop system struck me as an interesting solution.
I considered other slings with more elaborate designs and QD attachments, but their higher price points and potential for added bulk deterred me. I wanted a functional and robust sling without any unnecessary bells and whistles, and the Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling fit that bill. I was cautiously optimistic about the design, eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling was a pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The terrain was varied, ranging from open fields to dense cattails, and the weather was dry with a slight breeze. I used the sling to carry my 12-gauge over my shoulder while navigating the fields.
The sling proved surprisingly comfortable, even after several hours of walking. The padded shoulder section distributed the weight of the shotgun effectively, preventing it from digging into my shoulder. The “no-swivel” design, while initially concerning, allowed for easy and quick shouldering of the shotgun when birds flushed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season and several trips to the range, the Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the nylon webbing or the padding. The non-slip material on the barrel loops is doing its job, showing no slippage.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and debris. Compared to more complex slings I’ve used in the past, the Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling’s simple design minimizes potential failure points and makes it exceptionally reliable. It is one of the most reliable slings I have tested for shotguns.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling
Specifications
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is constructed from durable nylon webbing. It has a padded Cordura shoulder pad with a non-slip lining. The overall length is 36 inches, and the width is 1 inch.
The sling attaches via loops that slip over the barrel and pistol grip, eliminating the need for swivels. This feature makes it universally compatible with most shotguns, regardless of swivel mounting points. It is available in black.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling excels at its primary function: comfortably and securely carrying a shotgun. The padded shoulder pad significantly reduces fatigue during long days in the field. The non-slip lining prevents the sling from sliding off your shoulder, even when wearing bulky clothing.
The simplicity of the barrel loop attachment system allows for rapid deployment of the shotgun. The lack of adjustability could be seen as a weakness, but for most users, the 36-inch length provides an adequate fit.
Design & Ergonomics
The sling’s design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The black nylon webbing is understated and blends in well with most hunting attire. The padded shoulder pad is wide and comfortable, distributing the weight of the shotgun evenly.
The barrel loop attachment system is straightforward and easy to use. While it lacks the adjustability of more elaborate slings, its simplicity makes it incredibly reliable. The ergonomics are great, even when wearing a heavy coat.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is built to last. The nylon webbing is resistant to abrasion and the stitching is reinforced at key stress points. The padded shoulder pad is made from durable Cordura fabric, which is known for its resistance to wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep the sling clean. Its simple design and durable materials ensure it will withstand years of use in the field. The quality is amazing, even for the price.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is a minimalist product and does not come with any additional accessories. Due to its design, there aren’t many customization options available beyond choosing the color (if available). The absence of swivels does limit the options for attaching other accessories.
The sling’s design focuses on a streamlined, functional approach to carrying a shotgun, rather than extensive customization. The lack of extra features contributes to its reliability and ease of use. The bare-bones customization is perfect for the price point.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling
Pros
- Affordable Price: An excellent value for the money.
- Simple & Reliable: Minimalist design reduces potential failure points.
- Comfortable: Padded shoulder pad significantly reduces fatigue.
- Universal Fit: Barrel loop attachment works with most shotguns.
- Durable: Nylon webbing and Cordura padding are built to last.
Cons
- Limited Adjustability: Fixed length may not be ideal for all users.
- Lack of Swivels: Some users may prefer swivel attachments.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling?
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who needs a simple, reliable, and affordable way to carry their shotgun. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer a minimalist approach and value functionality over fancy features. This is a great sling for new shotgun owners.
Those who prefer adjustable slings with quick-detach swivels should skip this product. Also, if you require a sling that can be easily converted for different carrying positions, this may not be the best option. I would highly recommend this for shotgun owners.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling
The Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling is a testament to the idea that simple can be better. It is not the most feature-rich or customizable sling on the market, but it excels at its primary function: providing a comfortable and reliable way to carry a shotgun. It is perfect for those looking to keep it simple.
The price is exceptionally reasonable, making it an accessible option for shooters of all budgets. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Butler Creek Shotgun Nylon Sling to anyone seeking a no-frills, dependable solution for carrying their shotgun. If you need a sling, give this a try.