Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling Review

Is the Hype Real? Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels Reviewed

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless rifle slings promising the world: ultimate comfort, unwavering stability, and feather-light performance. Many fall short, becoming uncomfortable after miles of trekking or proving flimsy under the weight of a scoped rifle. This time, I turned my attention to the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels.

What drew me to the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels was the promise of a lighter, more breathable sling option. My older padded sling, while comfortable initially, often became a sweat trap during long hunts in warmer weather. The promise of a 45% weight reduction compared to Butler Creek’s Quick Carry Padded sling was also enticing.

Upon unboxing, the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels immediately felt different. The lightweight foam was surprisingly substantial, and the cut-out slots hinted at the promised breathability. The build quality seemed adequate, though not exceptional, and the included swivels were a welcome addition.

Compared to my older padded sling (a generic brand) and a minimalist nylon sling I sometimes use, the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels seemed to strike a good balance between comfort and weight. I chose it specifically to mitigate the sweaty back issues I often encounter with more heavily padded designs. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping the lightweight design wouldn’t compromise durability or comfort under sustained use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels was during a week-long backcountry elk hunt in the mountains of Montana. I carried my trusty .30-06 rifle, traversing steep terrain and dense forests. The weather was variable, ranging from cool mornings to relatively warm afternoons with occasional light rain.

The sling performed admirably in these conditions. The breathability was noticeable, significantly reducing the amount of sweat trapped against my back compared to my old sling. The large thumb loop proved invaluable for keeping the rifle secure on my shoulder while navigating particularly rough terrain.

Initially, I was concerned the lightweight foam wouldn’t provide enough cushioning for the weight of my rifle. However, it proved surprisingly comfortable even after hours of hiking. There were no initial issues or surprises, which was a pleasant change from some gear trials.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, although the foam shows minor compression in areas where it contacts my shoulder.

The sling is easy to clean; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth removes mud and dirt effectively. The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels has certainly outperformed my expectations in terms of comfort and breathability. It’s proven to be a reliable and practical addition to my hunting gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Butler Creek.
• Length: 22 inches (adjustable to over 36 inches). This adjustability allows for comfortable carry across a wide range of body types and clothing layers.
• Width: 3 inches. The wider profile helps distribute the weight of the rifle across a larger area on the shoulder.
• Attachment Type: Swivels. The included swivels offer easy and secure attachment to most rifles equipped with swivel studs.
• Lightweight Foam Inner: The industry-first close-cell foam is designed for comfort and reduced weight. This contributes significantly to the sling’s overall comfort and breathability.
• Adjustable Length: From 22in to over 36in long.
• Width: 3in wide.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels excels in its primary function: comfortably carrying a rifle for extended periods. The lightweight design and breathable foam make it significantly more comfortable than traditional padded slings, particularly in warmer weather. The large thumb loop is a standout feature, providing excellent security and preventing the rifle from slipping off the shoulder.

While the sling is not heavily padded, the foam provides adequate cushioning for most rifles. However, users carrying particularly heavy rifles (e.g., with heavy barrels and large scopes) might prefer a sling with more substantial padding. The built-in cartridge holders, while a nice idea, are somewhat limited in their practicality, but they are adjustable and offer a wider range of applicability for various cartridges. Overall, the sling meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels features a simple, functional design. The materials used, while not luxurious, are durable and appropriate for the intended use. The weight is noticeably light, enhancing comfort during long carries.

The sling is easy to adjust and use, with no significant learning curve. The thumb loop is intuitive and well-placed, contributing to the overall ergonomic design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels appears to be reasonably durable, although it’s not designed for extreme abuse. The foam is resistant to tearing and abrasion, and the stitching is well-executed. With proper care, it should last for several seasons of hunting or range use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The foam is water-resistant, preventing it from becoming waterlogged in wet conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels comes with integrated swivels for easy attachment to most rifles. It also features two built-in cartridge holders. These holders are designed to accommodate a range of cartridges and offer quick access to extra ammunition.

There are limited customization options beyond adjusting the length of the sling. However, the standard swivel attachments make it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket swivel studs and other sling attachment hardware.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels

Who Should Buy Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels?

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels is perfect for hunters, hikers, and recreational shooters who prioritize comfort and breathability. It is especially well-suited for those who hunt or shoot in warmer climates or engage in activities that require extended periods of carrying a rifle. It is also a good option for those looking for a lightweight alternative to traditional padded slings.

This sling might not be the best choice for individuals who regularly carry extremely heavy rifles or those who require maximum padding for recoil absorption. Also, those needing a tactical sling with quick detach features will want to explore other options.

A must-have accessory for this sling is a set of high-quality swivel studs, if your rifle isn’t already equipped. A cleaning kit specifically designed for foam products can also help extend the sling’s lifespan.

Conclusion on Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels

The Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels is a well-designed and functional product that delivers on its promise of lightweight comfort and breathability. While it may not be the most heavily padded or feature-rich sling on the market, its strengths make it an excellent choice for many hunters and shooters. At a price of $43.13, the value proposition is strong, particularly considering the included swivels and breathable design.

I would personally recommend the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels to anyone looking for a comfortable and lightweight way to carry their rifle. It’s a practical and reliable piece of gear that has earned a permanent place in my hunting arsenal. If you’re tired of sweaty backs and heavy slings, give the Butler Creek Featherlight Rifle Sling w/ Swivels a try – you won’t be disappointed.