Over four generations, 1791 Gunleather artisans have perfected the art of fine rifle sling craftsmanship. Whether you’re carrying a long rifle from field to camp while deer hunting, or you’re taking a class at a firearms training facility, it’s helpful to have a comfortable, hands-free device that alleviates the burden of rifle transport. We are proud to offer stylish leather rifle slings using 100% premium, Certified American Heavy Native Steerhide of the utmost quality.
ABOUT OUR LEATHER RIFLE SLINGS
The ability to possess firearms is one of the most time-honored American traditions. We know that safely housing and transporting your arms is just as important as your Second Amendment rights. Our rifle slings are designed by expert fourth generation leather artisans who understand the functionality and craftsmanship inherent in every good sling or holster.
You deserve the best rifle sling, which is why our products are made with Heavy Native Steerhide, which are top-graded based on weight. Compared to Butt Branded Steerhide or Calfskin Hides, the grain is heartier and the production quality is far superior. Love your gun even more when it’s held in premium American leather.
Though still relatively new to the marketplace, 1791 Gunleather has already become well-known in the industry for producing high quality leather rifle slings and holsters. “The craftsmanship and quality is second-to-none,” writes one of our reviewers. “Great guys, working hard to sell a great product, at a great price,” says another. Our products have been boasting consistent 5 star ratings, but we’re so confident our products withstand the ultimate test of time that we’ve given them a lifetime warranty to boot.
Leather slings can take you down a rabbit hole of expense as you search for fashionable accoutrements. Here you’ll find a rifle sling of Certified American leather that is as practical and affordable as it is beautiful and well-made. We focus on the simplest and most important aspects of quality and deliver a quality rifle sling you’ll be proud to own.
LOOKING FOR THE BEST RIFLE SLING?
The best rifle sling is a leather rifle sling, simply put. Leather is comfortable, conforming perfectly to your body, and a strong natural material that won’t degrade with time or wear. Many users have had the same leather rifle slings for decades. Fine suede backing prevents slipping, while a wide width through the shoulder enables comfortable carrying over long distances if necessary. Adjustable brass hardware lets you mount standard 1” swivels where they are needed. Our leather rifle slings allow settings ranging from 31 to 36 inches in length and 1 to 2.5 inches of width.
FIND YOUR PERFECT RIFLE SLING AT 1791 GUNLEATHER
You’d hate to be faced with a steep hillside to climb without a reliable strap by your side. It would be a travesty for the perfect shooting opportunity to arise without being able to move into position in one fluid motion. No one wants to miss the shot due to a cheap swivel installation. Let 1791 Gunleather prep you for your next expedition. We stand by our products, and also our gun owners. We participate in many charitable activities on behalf of the Wounded Warriors Charity, Anteris Alliance, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and others. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about choosing a sling or outfitting your rifle with the proper studs and swivels. We offer hassle-free returns should you wish to exchange or receive a refund for any reason. We may be a small business, but that is part of our pride and joy as we offer you personalized service you won’t find with the big guys.
HOW TO ATTACH YOUR RIFLE SLING
A gun must be fitted with swivels and swivel studs in order to use a rifle sling. Swivels are small metal loops that anchor the sling directly to the gun. Swivel studs are screws that secure the sling swivels to the gun. Many guns come with swivel studs or swivels already fitted, but others require a trip to the gunsmith. DIY owners may prefer to buy swivel stud sets offered by their gun manufacturer. Quick detach studs allow for switching the same sling between multiple guns. Sling swivels can be purchased in 1 or 1.25 inches, depending on the width of the sling, and may allow for up to 360 degrees in rotation.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RIFLE SLING
The rifle sling has been around as long as the rifle itself. There are many situations in hunting and armed forces where having free hands is a tremendous benefit. The earliest sling was nothing more than a basic carrying strap — often made of simple, economical rope. As you might imagine, these devices frayed and fell apart, requiring a constant slew of replacements.
More advanced swivel slings took hold in the late 17th Century, as European militaries armed mighty cadres with heavy muskets. These flat canvas straps offered length adjustability and slots for quickly swiveling from the carry position to the firing position at a moment’s notice. Washington’s troops in the French and Indian Wars and American Revolution were equipped with rifle slings. Some of the Civil War sharpshooters used slings, but most men rested their rifles against the nearest log.
In the 1900s, sturdy leather slings were used for added support and stability while sharp-shooting. The Model 1907 sling was the first designed for shooting just as well as marching. The high quality russet cowhide had a two-foot-long, inch-and-a-quarter wide strap. A claw hook fastened with three strong rivets at one end and a metal D ring at the other end, separated by 16 pairs of punched holes, added stability to the swivel action of the sling.
It took troops about a week to become familiar with these new slings. On deployment to China in the 1920s, Lieutenant Townsend Whelen of the 15th Infantry recalled the “corps d’ballet practiced before a single round was fired,” which included “the rifle’s sling… adjusted with the tightest nicety around one’s arm.”
“Rifle training was serious business, and we worked at it for several months each year. The positions were standing, or offhand as we called it, sitting, kneeling, and prone, all using the rifle sling for support. The sling, a leather strap attached to the rifle for carrying the piece, was a necessary aid for accurate shooting,” recalls Victor Vogel, an enlisted man between the World Wars.
Over the years, webbed canvas rifle slings came and went, but they proved too complicated to use and maintain. Other products were designed with simplicity in mind, but stretched easily under pressure. These days, army slings and hunter slings alike are primarily used as carrying straps. Competitive target shooters may use a variety of sling styles for different purposes, but most buyers are looking for a practical mix of comfort, reliability, and classic aesthetic.