Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling Review

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling: Not Just Another Review

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling promises a comfortable and secure way to carry your rifle, making those long treks to the stand or the shooting range a little less taxing. Butler Creek aims to deliver a quality sling with a focus on comfort and practicality. I was looking for a sling that wouldn’t dig into my shoulder during extended carry.

My current sling, a basic nylon strap, works but becomes incredibly uncomfortable after a few hours of carrying my rifle. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the generously sized padded shoulder section. The nylon webbing felt durable, while the padding had a noticeable squish, suggesting a more pleasant experience than my current setup.

Compared to some high-end slings with quick-detach swivels and complex adjustment systems, the Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling is refreshingly simple. I considered a few slings with bungee sections for shock absorption, but ultimately opted for the Butler Creek sling due to its focus on straightforward comfort and the Butler Creek reputation for reliability. My initial impression was positive, leaning towards pleasantly surprised; it seemed like a well-made, no-frills solution to my shoulder-fatigue problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling on a weekend hunting trip in the Pennsylvania woods. The terrain was hilly and required a decent amount of hiking to reach my designated spot. I experienced varied conditions, including a light rain shower and periods of direct sunlight.

The sling was easy to adjust, even with gloves on. The non-slip backing worked as advertised, keeping the rifle securely on my shoulder, even while navigating uneven terrain. After a few hours of walking, the difference between this and my old sling was night and day; the padded section distributed the weight effectively, significantly reducing shoulder strain. No issues arose during the first use, the sling did exactly what it was supposed to do, comfortably carry my rifle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including multiple range trips and additional hunting excursions, the Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the stitching remains intact. The nylon webbing is still sturdy.

Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. This sling far outperforms my previous experience with unpadded slings. The level of comfort provided during long carries remains consistent.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling

Specifications

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling features a stitched, quilted shoulder pad designed to lie flat against the body. Its construction utilizes nylon webbing for strength and durability. The non-slip backing is a key feature, designed to keep the sling securely positioned on the shoulder.

The sling measures 1 inch in width. The heavy-duty buckles and keepers add to the overall durability and security of the sling. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the comfort and security of carrying a rifle.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling excels at its primary function: providing a comfortable and secure means of carrying a rifle. The quilted pad really makes a difference on long carries. The non-slip backing prevents the rifle from sliding off the shoulder, even during active movement.

The sling meets expectations, delivering on its promise of comfort and security. One area for potential improvement would be a slightly wider pad for even greater weight distribution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling boasts a simple, functional design. The materials feel durable and well-made. The sling is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.

The design is user-friendly, with straightforward adjustments. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling appears to be built to last. The nylon webbing is resistant to abrasion, and the stitching is strong. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.

With proper care, the sling should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with most standard sling swivels. This allows for easy attachment to a wide range of rifles.

The simplicity of the design limits customization options. However, its universal compatibility with sling swivels means it will work with many existing rifle setups.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling

Who Should Buy Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling?

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who needs to carry a rifle comfortably for extended periods. It is especially beneficial for those who experience shoulder fatigue with standard slings.

Those seeking advanced features like quick-detach swivels or complex adjustment systems should probably skip this product. Must-have accessories include a set of quality sling swivels suitable for your rifle.

Conclusion on Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling

The Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling is a well-made, comfortable, and reliable sling that delivers on its promises. At $22.94, the price is more than justified by the increased comfort and improved carrying experience it provides. I would definitely recommend this sling to anyone looking for an affordable and effective way to alleviate shoulder strain while carrying a rifle.

If you’re tired of uncomfortable slings that dig into your shoulder, give the Butler Creek Ultra Padded Gun Sling a try; your shoulders will thank you.