BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings Review

Is the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings Worth It? Let’s Find Out

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings promises to be a simple yet effective solution for shotgun owners needing readily available extra ammunition. BlackHawk is a name synonymous with tactical gear, so expectations are high. Does this sling live up to the brand’s reputation?

My need for this product stemmed from years of hog hunting in dense brush. Carrying extra shells in pockets or a bandolier was always cumbersome and slow. I needed a streamlined system to quickly access more rounds without fumbling.

Upon unboxing, the sling felt robust, featuring heavy-duty stitching and solid-looking steel spring hooks. The woven cloth appeared durable, ready for field abuse. The elastic loops, designed to hold 15 shells, felt secure but not overly tight.

I considered a few similar products, primarily shell holders that attached directly to the shotgun’s receiver. I chose the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings for its versatility and weight distribution across my shoulder. This seemed preferable to adding all the weight to one point on the gun.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed well-made, but I was slightly concerned about the overall length and whether it would be comfortable during extended use. Would it live up to the hype, or would it be another piece of gear gathering dust in my closet?

Real-World Testing: Putting BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at a local shooting range, specifically to pattern my shotgun and practice drills. The weather was typical for Texas: hot and humid, creating a potentially slippery environment. I ran through several rounds, practicing reloads from the sling.

The sling performed reasonably well under these conditions. Accessing the shells was straightforward, and the weight distribution felt manageable. The sling’s adjustment buckle was easy to use, allowing me to fine-tune the fit.

However, I did notice that the muzzle felt noticeably heavier when the sling was fully loaded. This affected my swing and target acquisition slightly. I also realized that I needed to mount the sling “backwards,” as suggested by other users, to alleviate some of the weight imbalance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during hog hunts and clay shooting sessions, the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings has proven reasonably durable. I’ve trudged through thickets, crawled through mud, and generally subjected it to typical hunting conditions. There have been no signs of stitching failure or tearing of the woven cloth.

The elastic loops, however, have shown slight signs of loosening over time. While they still hold the shells securely, I suspect they may eventually need replacement. I’ve also noticed that the sling can get quite sweaty against my body, requiring periodic cleaning.

Compared to carrying shells in a traditional bandolier, the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings is a significant improvement in terms of convenience and accessibility. However, the weight distribution issue remains a minor drawback. Overall, it meets my basic needs, though it’s not a perfect solution.

Breaking Down the Features of BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings

Specifications

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings is an adjustable two-point sling designed to carry 15 extra shotgun shells. It attaches to standard sling swivels using durable steel spring hooks. The sling itself is constructed from woven cloth and is approximately 2 inches wide.

• Manufacturer: BlackHawk.
• Color: Black.
• Gun Type: Shotgun.
• Width: 2 inches.
• Fabric/Material: Woven Cloth.
• Shell Capacity: 15 shells.
• Attachment: Steel Spring Hooks.

These specifications are important because they dictate the sling’s durability, capacity, and compatibility. The woven cloth ensures reasonable resistance to wear and tear, while the steel hooks guarantee secure attachment to the shotgun. The 2-inch width provides comfortable weight distribution across the shoulder.

Performance & Functionality

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings performs its primary function well: providing quick access to extra shotgun shells. The elastic loops hold the shells securely, yet allow for easy retrieval, even with gloved hands. The adjustable length accommodates various body sizes and shooting styles.

The sling’s biggest strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The weakness lies in the potential for the muzzle to become heavy, especially with a fully loaded magazine tube in the shotgun, and 15 extra shells on the sling adding extra weight. To mitigate this, mounting it “backwards” with the shells closer to the stock is necessary. It meets my expectations for convenient shell carrying, but the weight issue prevents it from exceeding them.

Design & Ergonomics

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings features a straightforward and functional design. The woven cloth is reasonably comfortable against the body, and the sling’s adjustability allows for a customized fit. The steel spring hooks are robust and easy to attach and detach.

The sling is user-friendly, requiring minimal setup or adjustment. The only learning curve involves figuring out the optimal mounting position to balance the weight of the shotgun. It’s a no-frills design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

The woven cloth construction suggests reasonable durability, and my experience confirms this. However, the elastic loops are the potential weak point, as they may loosen over time. The sling is relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.

With proper care, the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings should last for several seasons of regular use. Replacing the elastic loops may be necessary down the road, but this is a relatively inexpensive repair. Its simple design minimizes the potential for major failures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings does not come with any additional accessories. Its primary customization option involves adjusting the sling length to achieve the desired fit. The steel spring hooks are compatible with most standard sling swivels.

While the sling itself doesn’t offer extensive customization, it can be paired with various aftermarket sling swivels or quick-detach mounts. This allows users to tailor the attachment method to their specific shotgun and shooting style. The sling’s simplicity lends itself well to customization through aftermarket accessories.

Pros and Cons of BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings

Who Should Buy BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings?

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings is perfect for:

• Hunters who need quick access to extra shotgun shells in the field.
• Tactical shooters who want to carry additional ammunition on their shotgun.
• Home defense enthusiasts who want to ensure they have ample ammunition available.
• Clay shooters who want a convenient way to carry extra shells between rounds.

Who should skip this product?

• Individuals who are highly sensitive to weight imbalance in their firearms.
• Those who prefer shell carriers that attach directly to the shotgun’s receiver.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Aftermarket sling swivels or quick-detach mounts for customized attachment.

Conclusion on BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings

The BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings is a simple, affordable, and reasonably durable solution for carrying extra shotgun shells. It offers convenient access to ammunition, but the potential for muzzle heaviness is a drawback. Mounting the sling “backwards” can help mitigate this issue.

The price is justified for the value provided, making it a worthwhile purchase for many shotgun owners. I would personally recommend it to those seeking an inexpensive and functional shell-carrying solution. Just be aware of the potential weight distribution issue and be prepared to experiment with different mounting positions.

If you’re looking for an easy way to carry extra shotgun shells without breaking the bank, give the BlackHawk Shot Shell Slings a try. You might be surprised at how much it improves your shooting experience.