Failed rifle sling

[tonyfox]

Hi all, this is my first proper post on the forum, I hope its in the right section. I bought ridgeline rifle sling just over 6 months and it failed last Friday night/Saturday morning while out foxing.
The sling attachment completely sheared where the bar goes through the sling stud on my rifle. Unfortunately we walking on a compacted gravel road. One second the rifle was on my shoulder, then next on the ground. The moderator looks like it the ground first, and then the rest of it. Snapping the stock at the pistol grip near the action. So its in 4 pieces. Two main section and 2 smallish slivers of wood.

Its a cz 550 in 22-250, it had a beautiful walnut stock with almost a tiger stripe grain patern. A gun smith has checked it over everything seems to be in working order. Even the Mod has only superficial damage. The sling was a very sturdy ridgeline one, that I bought from a dealer not online. And he's helping me as much as he can. Next time I'll see if I can fashion a fail safe type system.

Thank you, Tony.

 

[Liveonce]

ouch, feel your pain.

 

[tonyfox]

Thank you, of course it couldn't have happened 5 min before in the field.

 

[weblyish]

I got dinged in my DSC1 for not 'clearly' checking slings and swivels in good working order per the safety Question


Assessor wanted visual check and good tug to check secure

Who knew that maybe one day it would be needed. Maybe I'll take it more seriously in future

 

[tonyfox]

That's another good point, although there were no outward signs. It looked like poor metal.

 

[Dickie]

Sounds like poor quality sling swivels were they supplied on the sling or purchased separately?

 

[Smellydog]

I noticed lots of cheaply made sling swivels now. The loops are soft and the pivot pin comes loose on its riveting. Compared to the uncle Mike's of the 90's they are junk.
Quake use to make good ones.

I put a little cable tie around the swivel and stud and replace everything the moment the loop starts getting sloppy.

It happens to all of us.

 

[WalkedUp]

That's another good point, although there were no outward signs. It looked like poor metal.

I had this from a Butler Creek sling. The Chinesium swivel sheared whilst walking back through the concrete yard. Fortunately I was lucky and grabbed the fixed end on reflex, averting any damage. It happened so quickly that there was no warning and you couldn’t think and then react. In 2012 my pal’s swivel stud tore out of the stock as he leaped a fence. Then a few years ago another pal dropped his when his new Ridgeline sling failed in the stitching getting out of the truck. They were good and paid out.

 

[Mr. Gain]

As has been said, most swivels, especially those supplied with slings, are lowest-bidder items. The metal is poor quality and can break without warning.
The DSC guidance is sound: a regular inspection and tug will make controlled failure more likely, but not rule out an uncontrolled failure.
It is we'll worth buying better-quality swivels, therefore, or even vintage sets from before everything came from China.
Unfortunately, many slings now come with swivels stitched in, which looks like an absolute bargain, until one gives way and dumps a costly/beloved combo on the tarmac.

 

[Freeforester]

I got dinged in my DSC1 for not 'clearly' checking slings and swivels in good working order per the safety Question

View attachment 419781
Assessor wanted visual check and good tug to check secure

Who knew that maybe one day it would be needed. Maybe I'll take it more seriously in future

A few years ago a stalker in Badenoch was nearly killed when a sling broke and the rifle discharged up through him after hitting the ground.

 

[Brad93]

I've had talon on my rifle for years with no problem but they were bought many years ago before chinesium took over.

Quality studs and swivels are a necessity.

Deer central sell a few quality makes - if Ben recommends it then it's usually good gear.

 

[tonyfox]

Hi gents, I have an update. On the 23rd of January 2025, Ridgeline issued a Recall, on The Ridgeline Bushmaster Rifle Sling. So my RFD and the distributor are working to get me a replacement stock. I've chosen the GRS Bifrost to which I'll have to some money towards it, as its a definite upgrade.

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi gents, I have an update. On the 23rd of January 2025, Ridgeline issued a Recall, on The Ridgeline Bushmaster Rifle Sling. So my RFD and the distributor are working to get me a replacement stock. I've chosen the GRS Bifrost to which I'll have to some money towards it, as its a definite upgrade.

Have you tried the bifrost? Cracking stocks for range work but I got rid of mine as I didn't like the way it carried, just my personal opinion, but I went back to a Bell and Carlson.

 

[VSS]

. In 2012 my pal’s swivel stud tore out of the stock as he leaped a fence.

Another DSC1 fail

 

[weblyish]

Another DSC1 fail

Indeed

For we all unload the chamber and magazine and place the rifle somewhere safe before every obstacle and then retrieve, check clear bore, load and apply safety

Just as I always drive with hands at 10 and 2 o'clock

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Indeed

For we all unload the chamber and magazine and place the rifle somewhere safe before every obstacle and then retrieve, check clear bore, load and apply safety

Just as I always drive with hands at 10 and 2 o'clock

And never break the imposed speed limit?

 

[Mr. Gain]

For we all unload the chamber and magazine and place the rifle somewhere safe before every obstacle and then retrieve, check clear bore, load and apply safety

Why not do that? It takes seconds and might save a mountain of grief.

 

[Tim.243]

I got dinged in my DSC1 for not 'clearly' checking slings and swivels in good working order per the safety Question

View attachment 419781
Assessor wanted visual check and good tug to check secure

Who knew that maybe one day it would be needed. Maybe I'll take it more seriously in future

Don't take up diving as your tank will slip out of the cam band on the BCD...!
Clunk click every trip...

 

[VSS]

Indeed

For we all unload the chamber and magazine and place the rifle somewhere safe before every obstacle and then retrieve, check clear bore, load and apply safety

Well I certainly do, if negotiating a fence or climbing a gate. But not for minor obstacles.

Just as I always drive with hands at 10 and 2 o'clock

That's no longer a thing, apparently.

And never break the imposed speed limit?

Breaking speed limits is inexcusable, imo.
There's plenty of rules I'm prepared to bend or break, but that's not one of them and I've got no time for anyone who does.

 

[Longstrider]

You should not driving with hands at 10 to 2 if you have an airbag in your steering wheel. If that thing goes off you either punch yourself so hard you fracture your hands and/or skull or you get de-gloved.

Or both, or none. Your choice of risk.

For me it's usually the well known, much loved, and highly approved position of "Left hand picking nose and right elbow on door window sill with tip of thumb on edge of the wheel for complete and total control About 80% of observed drivers will be in this position unless it's a really bendy road