Attaching a sling to a rifle without swivels can be a practical solution for hunters, shooters, or anyone wanting to carry their firearm hands-free without permanently modifying the rifle. This method allows you to secure a sling directly to the rifle, providing stability and comfort while carrying or shooting, even if your rifle lacks the standard swivel studs. It’s a useful skill for those with older rifles or custom builds where swivels are not installed.
What You’ll Need
- A rifle without sling swivels
- A durable rifle sling (preferably adjustable and made for your rifle’s size)
- Strong cord, leather strips, or nylon webbing (if the sling doesn’t have attachment hardware)
- Optional: Paracord or zip ties for extra security
- Scissors or a knife (to cut cord or webbing if necessary)
- Optional: Needle and heavy-duty thread or rivets if you plan to make permanent attachments
Step-by-Step
- Assess your rifle’s design: Examine the rifle to identify possible attachment points. Common options include the stock’s butt end, the forearm, or the trigger guard area. Look for any holes, slots, or natural contours where you can loop or tie the sling.
- Choose your sling style: Decide if you want a simple carry sling or one that can double as a shooting aid. Traditional slings have two attachment points, but you may also consider a single-point sling style if only one secure spot is available.
- Create a rear attachment point: For the buttstock, you can loop the sling around the stock’s rear or use a leather strip or cord to form a loop near the buttplate. Pass the sling through this loop or wrap the cord tightly to secure it, ensuring it won’t slip off during use.
- Secure the front attachment: At the forearm, you have a few options:
- Loop the sling around the forearm if there is a suitable groove or contour.
- Use a strong cord or leather strip to create a makeshift loop around the forearm, tying it tightly and trimming excess.
- If your rifle has a trigger guard with enough clearance, you can carefully loop the sling around it, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with trigger operation.
- Thread the sling through the loops: Pass the sling through the rear and front loops or attachments you’ve created. Adjust the length so that the rifle hangs comfortably when carried over your shoulder.
- Tighten and test: Pull on the sling to ensure all knots, loops, or attachments are secure and won’t slip under load. Adjust the sling length and attachments for comfort and stability.
- Optional reinforcement: If you want extra security, wrap paracord around the attachment points or use zip ties on the inside of loops to prevent slipping. For a semi-permanent solution, consider sewing or riveting the cord or leather strips in place.
- Practice carrying: Sling your rifle to test comfort and balance. Make any final adjustments to the sling length or attachment tightness for optimal handling.
Common Mistakes
- Using weak or thin cord: Thin or weak materials can break or slip, risking dropping your rifle. Always use strong, durable materials designed for load bearing.
- Attaching near trigger guard without care: Wrapping or looping the sling too tightly around the trigger guard can interfere with trigger operation, which is dangerous.
- Not securing knots properly: Loose or improperly tied knots can come undone during use, causing the rifle to fall.
- Ignoring sling length adjustment: A sling that’s too long or too short will be uncomfortable and unstable when carrying or shooting.
- Permanent modifications without expertise: Attempting to drill or rivet without proper tools or knowledge may damage your rifle or void warranties.
Tips
- Use leather or nylon strips for durability: These materials hold up well under tension and resist wear better than generic string or thin cord.
- Consider sling designs with quick-adjust features: This lets you modify length on the fly for different carry or shooting positions.
- Test your sling under load before field use: Hang some weight on it or simulate carrying to ensure security.
- Keep sling attachment points away from moving parts: Avoid areas around the bolt, magazine, or trigger that could snag or interfere with operation.
- Practice safe handling: Always ensure your rifle is unloaded before adjusting or attaching slings.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Sling slips off the stock or forearm.
Solution: Tighten your loops and knots. Use additional cord or leather strips to form more secure loops. Consider adding friction by wrapping paracord around attachment points or using rubber tubing as a grip enhancer.
Problem: Sling interferes with trigger operation.
Solution: Reposition the sling attachment away from the trigger guard. If you must attach near it, ensure the sling is loose enough to avoid contact or switch to a different attachment point.
Problem: Sling is too long or too short.
Solution: Adjust the sling length by rethreading it through loops or using adjustable buckles. If your sling doesn’t have buckles, consider adding them or tying knots to reduce length.
Problem: Materials wear out quickly.
Solution: Upgrade to higher-quality materials designed for firearm use, such as military-grade nylon or genuine leather. Inspect regularly and replace worn parts promptly.
Problem: Sling detaches unexpectedly.
Solution: Double-check all knots and attachment points. Use locking knots like a double fisherman’s knot or secure with stitching or rivets for permanent fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of cord to attach a sling?
A: It’s best to use strong, durable materials like nylon webbing, leather, or paracord. Thin or weak cord can break and is unsafe.
Q: Is it safe to loop a sling around the trigger guard?
A: Generally, it’s not recommended because it may interfere with trigger operation. If necessary, ensure it’s loose and cannot snag the trigger.
Q: Do I need special tools to attach a sling without swivels?
A: Usually not. Basic tools like scissors or a knife to cut cord are sufficient. For permanent modifications, sewing or riveting tools may be needed.
Q: Can I install swivels later if I want?
A: Yes, many rifles can be fitted with swivel studs, but this may require professional gunsmithing to avoid damage.
Q: How do I know if my sling length is correct?
A: The sling should allow comfortable carrying with the rifle resting against your body without swinging excessively and should be adjustable for shooting positions.
Q: Will this method damage my rifle?
A: When done carefully, attaching a sling without swivels won’t damage your rifle. Avoid tight knots that might scratch or compress wood or synthetic stocks excessively.
Attaching a sling to a rifle without swivels is a practical skill that enhances carrying convenience and shooting stability. By carefully selecting attachment points and materials, you can create a secure and comfortable sling setup without permanent modifications. Always prioritize safety and test your setup before taking it into the field.
For example, if you have a classic hunting rifle with a wooden stock and no swivel studs, a simple leather strap looped around the forearm and buttstock can provide a reliable sling attachment. Use a strong knot such as a square knot or double fisherman’s knot to prevent slipping. Add a quick-release buckle if you want to detach the sling fast. If your rifle has a synthetic stock with textured surfaces, you can use nylon webbing with Velcro to create non-permanent attachment loops that won’t damage the finish.
Another angle to consider is the type of sling: two-point slings provide better stability for shooting, while single-point slings allow rapid transitions and easy carry but may put more strain on your attachment points. Without swivels, two-point slings require more careful attachment, but single-point slings can sometimes be anchored securely with a strong loop around the stock’s pistol grip or a custom-made harness.
Remember that regular inspection of your sling and attachment points is important. Over time, cords can fray, leather can dry out, and knots can loosen. Maintaining your sling setup ensures safety and reliability during use.
In conclusion, putting a sling on a rifle without swivels is straightforward with the right materials and careful attention to attachment points. This method keeps your rifle easy to carry and ready for action without permanent alterations. Experiment with different materials and configurations to find what works best for your specific rifle and needs.
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