The Ultimate Guide to Shotgun Slings: Why the Butler Creek Easy Rider Stands Out for Comfortable and Secure Carry

For any shotgun owner, whether you're a seasoned hunter tracking game through challenging terrain or a casual shooter heading to the range, the importance of a reliable and comfortable sling cannot be overstated. A quality sling isn't just an accessory; it's an essential piece of gear that transforms how you carry your firearm, reducing fatigue, improving safety, and ensuring your hands are free when you need them most. Among the myriad options available, the Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling consistently emerges as a top choice, engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of shotgun enthusiasts.

What makes a great shotgun sling? It boils down to a few critical factors: comfort, security, durability, and practical design. The Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling embodies these principles, offering a solution designed to make long treks with your shotgun feel significantly lighter and more manageable. If you’ve ever experienced shoulder strain after a day in the field or found your shotgun constantly slipping off your shoulder, you understand the problem this sling solves.

Addressing Common Challenges: The Easy Rider Solution

Hunters and shooters frequently encounter several frustrations with standard or inferior slings:

• Slippage: The most common complaint is a sling that constantly slides off the shoulder, forcing you to readjust your firearm, interrupting your focus, and potentially compromising safety.
• Discomfort and Fatigue: Thin or poorly padded slings can dig into your shoulder, especially with heavier shotguns, leading to significant discomfort and fatigue over extended periods.
• Lack of Durability: Slings made from subpar materials can fray, crack, or break down under harsh weather conditions or rigorous use, leaving you in a predicament when you least expect it.
• Unstable Carry: A sling that allows the firearm to bounce or swing excessively can be distracting and even dangerous, particularly when navigating dense brush or uneven terrain.

The Butler Creek 80083 Easy Rider Sling directly confronts these issues with its innovative design and choice of materials. This isn't just another strap; it's a meticulously crafted tool built to enhance your carrying experience.

Key Innovations of the Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling

At the heart of the Easy Rider's effectiveness is its unique combination of materials and thoughtful construction.

Unrivaled Non-Slip Security: The Rubberized Sharkskin Backing

Imagine walking miles through wet marshland or climbing steep inclines, and your shotgun stays precisely where you put it on your shoulder. This level of steadfast security is achieved by the Easy Rider’s solid backing of rubberized sharkskin. This specialized material provides superior grip, effectively eliminating the common frustration of a slipping sling. Unlike smooth neoprene or traditional nylon, the sharkskin texture creates a high-friction surface that adheres securely to clothing, even when wet or during active movement. This means you can focus on the hunt or the target, confident that your firearm is stable and secure, leaving your hands free for binoculars, calls, or navigating obstacles. For those who frequently trek through challenging environments like dense undergrowth or rocky terrain, this non-slip feature is a game-changer, preventing the constant need for adjustments and ensuring your firearm remains safely positioned.

Superior Comfort: Thick, Shock-Absorbing Neoprene Body

Carrying a shotgun for hours can be taxing on your shoulder. The Easy Rider Sling addresses this with its thick, shock-absorbing neoprene body. Neoprene, a synthetic rubber known for its flexibility, durability, and excellent cushioning properties, acts as a buffer between the weight of your firearm and your shoulder. This material is widely used in wetsuits and medical braces due to its ability to distribute pressure evenly and absorb impact. For a shotgun sling, this translates directly into reduced shoulder fatigue and increased comfort, even with heavier firearms or during long days afield. The inherent elasticity of neoprene also allows the sling to conform to your shoulder, providing a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you, rather than against you. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who spend extended periods stalking game or walking between blinds.

Durability Meets Aesthetics: Fully Bound Edges and Urethane Cover

Beyond its core functionality, the Butler Creek Easy Rider is built to last. The sling features fully bound edges, which not only contribute to its finished, professional appearance but also significantly enhance its durability. Binding prevents fraying and tearing, ensuring the sling withstands repeated use and exposure to the elements. Furthermore, a urethane cover adds an extra layer of protection, making the sling more resistant to abrasions, moisture, and UV degradation. This thoughtful addition helps maintain the sling's integrity and aesthetic appeal over time, even with consistent exposure to harsh outdoor conditions like rain, mud, or extreme temperatures. It’s an investment in a piece of gear that will serve you reliably for seasons to come.

Designed for the Outdoors: Mossy Oak Break-Up Pattern

The Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern is more than just a visual design; it’s a highly effective camouflage print optimized for various hunting environments. This versatile pattern blends intricate elements of bark, leaves, and limbs to disrupt the human silhouette, making you virtually disappear into your surroundings. For a shotgun sling, integrating this pattern means your firearm also benefits from this concealment, reducing the chance of alarming game due to visible gear. Whether you're hunting deer in the timber, stalking turkeys in the spring woods, or setting up for waterfowl in a natural blind, the Mossy Oak Break-Up ensures your equipment complements your overall camouflage strategy. This aesthetic consideration is crucial for serious hunters who pay attention to every detail of their setup.

The Perfect Fit: Adjustable Length for Versatility

The Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling is adjustable up to 48 inches in length. This adjustability is a critical feature, allowing users to customize the fit for their body type, clothing layers, and specific carrying preferences. A properly adjusted sling ensures the shotgun rides at the optimal height for comfortable carry and quick, unencumbered shouldering when a shot opportunity arises. It also accommodates different carrying styles, whether you prefer to sling your shotgun across your back, over one shoulder, or across your chest. This adaptability makes the Easy Rider a versatile choice for a wide range of users and hunting scenarios.

Who is the Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling For?

This sling is ideally suited for:

• Avid Hunters: Especially those pursuing waterfowl, turkey, deer, or upland birds where long walks and hands-free operation are common.
• Sporting Clays and Trap Shooters: While often carried between stations, a comfortable sling can ease the burden during extended shooting sessions.
• Backcountry Enthusiasts: Anyone needing to carry a shotgun securely and comfortably over challenging terrain.
• General Firearm Owners: Those who prioritize comfort and stability when transporting their shotgun to and from the range or field.

Why Invest in a Quality Sling Like the Easy Rider?

• Enhanced Safety: A secure sling reduces the risk of accidental drops and allows for better muzzle control when walking.
• Reduced Fatigue: Distributes weight more effectively, making long carries significantly more comfortable.
• Increased Efficiency: Frees your hands for other tasks, like calling, navigating, or carrying other gear.
• Improved Mobility: Allows for quicker transitions and unencumbered movement through various terrains.
• Protection for Your Firearm: Keeps your shotgun elevated and less prone to accidental bumps or scratches when set down or carried.

Tips for Optimizing Your Sling Experience

To get the most out of your Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling, consider these tips:

1. Proper Adjustment: Take the time to adjust the sling length to your body and carrying style. It should allow the shotgun to ride comfortably without interfering with your movement, and allow for a natural transition to the ready position.
2. Mounting Points: Ensure the sling swivels are securely attached to your shotgun's mounting points. If your shotgun doesn't have swivels, you may need to install them. The Easy Rider Sling is designed to work with standard 1-inch swivels.
3. Regular Inspection: Periodically check the sling for any signs of wear, especially at the attachment points and along the edges. While durable, consistent use in harsh environments can eventually take its toll.
4. Cleaning: If the sling gets muddy or wet, wipe it down with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew and maintain the integrity of the materials.

A Trusted Name in Firearm Accessories

Butler Creek has long been a reputable name in the shooting sports industry, known for producing innovative and high-quality firearm accessories. Their commitment to practical design and durable materials is evident in products like the Easy Rider Sling. When you choose a Butler Creek product, you're opting for gear designed with the shooter in mind, built to perform reliably in demanding conditions. This reputation for excellence adds a layer of trust and assurance to your purchase.

Where to Find Your Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling

For those looking to enhance their shotgun carrying experience, the Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling (UPC 051525800835) is readily available. You can find this essential accessory and a wide range of other high-quality firearm equipment at DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of shooting supplies, ensuring you can equip yourself with the best gear for your hunting and shooting adventures.

In conclusion, the Butler Creek 80083 Easy Rider Sling isn't just a simple strap; it's a strategically designed piece of equipment that provides unparalleled comfort, security, and durability for shotgun owners. Its innovative use of rubberized sharkskin, thick neoprene, and robust construction, combined with the effective Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage, makes it a superior choice for anyone serious about their outdoor pursuits. By addressing the core challenges of carrying a shotgun, this sling ensures you can focus on the experience, not on managing your firearm.

Product Specifications: Butler Creek Easy Rider Sling

Feature	Detail
Brand	Butler Creek
Model	Easy Rider
Color	Mossy Oak Break-Up
Material	Neoprene with Sharkskin Back
Length	48"
Gun Type	Shotgun
Design	Adjustable
UPC	051525800835
Manufacturer PN	80083