Use of a Standard Single Strap Sling

I will attempt to describe the use of a standard single strap or basic military web type sling as an aid to accuracy. This seems to work best with a cotton web sling as nylon may slip and leather may be a bit stiff. Nevertheless, try the procedure with what you have first before making any equipment changes.

The instructions will assume a right handed shooter, southpaws simply reverse R & L.

1. The rifle is held in the right hand, at the wrist or pistol grip, muzzle up at roughly 45 degrees, and the butt at one o'clock against the lower waist.

2. Bend the left forearm up to create a 30 degree "V" then slip that elbow "V" between the sling and the rifle until the sling is on the tricep muscle. Obviously the rifle will move in as well because this union takes place at approximately body centerline.

3. Your left hand should now be up and roughly neck high. Keeping the sling on the tricep, open the "V" and wrap the sling outside and around your wrist as you gain a grip on the rifles fore end just behind the front sling swivel.

4. Bring the butt up and into your right shoulder pocket and adjust your left arm, until you have tension between your arm, the sling, and the rifle, for a comfortable yet firm lock-in.

You should be able to get into any of the four standard shooting positions without removing your arm from the sling.

In addition, you will undoubtedly need to find the correct sling length adjustment to get that perfect feel to the position. Play with it a few times and it will become second nature quickly.

CAUTION: The use of a sling in shooting is an aid for accurate, long range shots, when time allows. A SLING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CLOSE COMBAT WORK.
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Here's a variation of the above method...

1. Thrust your arm through the sling so that the strap is resting on your triceps a few inches above your elbow.

2. Sweep your hand and forearm in a circle around the sling and grip the forend of the stock.

3. As you shoulder the rifle, the tension on the sling will lock the butt of the gun in place, giving you a steady shooting platform. If the gun isn’t tight to your shoulder, your sling is too long.
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I recently "discovered" this picture and description of the "Hasty Sling"procedure.

This photo is from The G. I. Intelligence Dept. website. A site dedicated to World War II Living History & Reenacting Information. For the record, I attempted to contact them for permission. Alas, still no response....