How to Put on a Cobra Sling

Cobra slings are used to carry rifles in the field.

A cobra sling is a variety of rifle sling. A cobra sling gets its name from its shape; there is a wide oval part of the shoulder pad, much like the shape of a cobra hood. The cobra sling is handy because it distributes the weight of the rifle over the wider pad, making it more comfortable for long days in the field. Like any rifle sling, the cobra sling uses the rifle's sling attachment points to secure to the rifle.

Things You'll Need

• Rifle with sling connections

Instructions

1. Attach the narrow side of the cobra sling to the barrel end attachment and the wide side to the rifle butt attachments. Push the sling lengthening device to the longest point, making the sling as long as possible.

2. Shoulder the rifle via the cobra sling. Keep the wide portion of the sling on the shoulder. Most cobra-style slings have a leather or suede pad to prevent the sling from moving or slipping off the shoulder. Position the wide pad on the shoulder with the rifle barrel pointing up and away from the head, behind the body.

3. Pull down on the bottom of the sling strap, at the lengthening device. This tightens the sling and brings the rifle close to the body. Tighten until the sling holds the rifle firmly. Make sure there is enough slack to be able to bring the rifle up and over your shoulder and get into the ready position for your shot.

Tips & Warnings

• If your cobra sling has swivel clips on the attachments, use them to unclip the rifle and position it upside down or on a different shoulder while still keeping the wide pad on the shoulder.

References

• Chuck Hawks: Rifle Slings and Carrying Straps