Building your own paracord shotgun sling offers a rewarding blend of practicality and customization. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, ensuring you create a durable and comfortable sling perfectly tailored to your needs. We'll cover various techniques, focusing on strength, adjustability, and ease of use.
Choosing Your Materials: The Foundation of a Sturdy Sling
Before diving into the construction, selecting the right materials is crucial. Your paracord sling's longevity and performance depend heavily on these choices.
1. Paracord Type & Quantity:
- 550 Paracord: This is the industry standard, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio. For a shotgun sling, 100-150 feet is a good starting point, allowing for adjustments and potential mistakes. Choose a color that suits your preference and hunting environment.
- 7-Strand Paracord: Stick to 7-strand for optimal strength and reliability. Avoid cheaper, lesser-strand options.
2. Hardware:
- Swivel Clips: These are essential for attaching the sling to your shotgun. Choose heavy-duty swivel clips rated for the weight of your shotgun. Stainless steel is preferred for corrosion resistance.
- Buckles (Optional): Adding buckles allows for quick adjustment and easy removal of the sling. Choose sturdy buckles made from durable materials.
3. Tools:
- Sharp Scissors or Knife: For clean cuts and efficient paracord manipulation.
- Lighter or Matches: For melting and sealing the ends of the paracord to prevent fraying.
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements ensure a properly fitted sling.
Constructing Your Paracord Shotgun Sling: Step-by-Step Instructions
This guide outlines a simple, reliable method. More complex designs incorporating multiple adjustments are possible but require advanced paracord knotting skills.
Method 1: The Simple Loop Sling
This method is straightforward, ideal for beginners. It prioritizes simplicity over extensive adjustability.
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Measure & Cut: Measure the desired length of your sling (consider your shoulder width and preferred carrying style). Add an extra 6-8 inches for knotting and securing the swivel clips. Cut two lengths of paracord.
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Creating the Loops: Using an overhand knot, create a loop at one end of each paracord strand. Ensure the loops are large enough to accommodate your swivel clips. Secure the overhand knot by melting the paracord ends.
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Attaching Swivel Clips: Thread the loops onto your swivel clips. Securely attach the clips to each sling mount on your shotgun.
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Joining the Paracord: Once the swivel clips are attached, join the two paracord lengths using a strong knot like the cobra knot or a double fisherman's knot. Ensure the knot is tight and secure. Melt the paracord ends to seal them.
Method 2: The Adjustable Sling (Intermediate)
This method adds adjustability using a simple sliding buckle.
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Follow Steps 1 & 2 from Method 1.
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Incorporate Buckles: Instead of directly joining the paracord strands, attach one end of each paracord strand to a buckle using a strong knot. This allows the sling length to be adjusted.
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Connect the Buckles: Connect the remaining ends of the paracord strands using the cobra knot or double fisherman's knot.
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Test and Adjust: Adjust the sling length for comfortable carrying before securing the knots permanently.
Important Considerations:
- Strength Testing: Before using your new sling, always conduct a thorough strength test. Hang a weight equivalent to or exceeding your shotgun's weight to ensure the knots and materials can handle the load.
- Safety First: Ensure all knots are properly secured to prevent accidental detachment. Regularly inspect your sling for wear and tear, replacing it if necessary.
- Customization: Experiment with different knotting techniques and paracord colors to personalize your sling.
This guide provides a starting point for crafting your own paracord shotgun sling. Remember to prioritize safety and always double-check your work before using the sling in the field. With practice and patience, you can create a reliable and personalized sling perfectly suited to your needs.
