Let’s get real for a sec: if you’ve ever stared at a generic, stiff gun sling that cuts into your shoulder mid-hike, slides off when you’re ducking through brush, or just doesn’t fit your rig the way you want, you’ve probably Googled “can I make my own gun sling?” at 2 a.m. in your garage. I’m not just some random guy typing this from a couch—I run a gun sling supply company, and I’ve helped hundreds of folks skip the overpriced, one-size-fits-all garbage big box stores push. So let’s break this down straight: yes, you can make your own gun sling, but you don’t have to—wait, no, let’s not jump ahead. Let’s actually talk about what that means, because half the tutorials online either skip the safety stuff, use garbage materials that snap when you need ‘em, or end up with a sling that’s worse than the $15 option you grabbed at Walmarts. Gun Sling
First, let’s get the basics out of the way: what even is a gun sling, and why does DIY or buying right matter? I see too many people treating slings like an afterthought. Here’s the tea: a good sling does three non-negotiable things. It secures your gun so it doesn’t slip and crack the stock when you’re hiking or waiting for a deer. It distributes the weight evenly so your shoulder doesn’t ache after a long day in the field. And it’s adjustable enough that you can swing your gun to your front for quick shots, or to your back so it’s out of the way when you’re climbing a fence. Cheap, DIY-slapdash slings? They fail at all three. I’ve had customers come to me with home-make slings that broke mid-hike, sending their hunting rifle tumbling 20 feet down a ravine. Yeah, that’s the stuff we’re gonna avoid.
Now, if you’re dead set on DIY, let’s get into the science of making one that actually works—no sketchy YouTube hacks that use paracord for the whole thing (side note: paracord is garbage for heavy rifles. Its core is designed to support maybe 50 lbs max, and once it’s wet, it turns into a stiff, heavy mess that rubs blisters. Don’t do it. I see so many folks swear by it, and then come to me with blisters on their neck because their homemade paracord sling dug in). Let’s start with materials, because this is where 90% of DIYers go wrong.
First, the main webbing. This is the backbone of your sling. You need something rated for at least 1000 lbs of tensile strength—no exceptions. Why? A hunting rifle with a scope can easily weigh 8-12 lbs, but when you’re running, tripping, or yanking your gun to shoulder level, that force multiplies. I use military-spec nylon webbing for our slings, and it’s non-negotiable for DIY too. You can pick it up at most outdoor supply shops, just ask for “1.5 inch wide, 1000 lb rated nylon webbing.” The width matters too: 1.5 inches is perfect. Narrower than that? It cuts into your shoulder. Wider than that? It’s bulky and gets caught on branches. Stick to 1.5 inches.
Next, the connectors. This is another make-or-break part. Don’t use plastic clips. Ever. I don’t care how lightweight they are—plastic breaks. Use metal quick-release swivels, the same kind that come on most factory slings. You can get these cheap online, just make sure they’re steel, not aluminum. Aluminum bends under pressure. Steel is stiff, durable, and will last you years. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get swivels with a locking mechanism, but even basic steel quick-release works fine for most people.
Then, the padding. If you’re gonna be wearing this sling for more than an hour, you need padding. No one wants a webbing strap digging into their shoulder for 8 hours. The best padding material is neoprene—same stuff wetsuits are made of. It’s soft, flexible, and doesn’t get stinky when it’s sweaty or damp. Avoid foam padding—it compresses after a few uses and turns into a hard lump that rubs the wrong way. If you can’t find neoprene, thick felt works in a pinch, but it’s not as durable.
Now, the step-by-step (no, not the weird ones that tell you to burn the ends of webbing with a lighter—wait, actually, that part’s important, but let’s do it right). First, measure how long you want your sling. A good rule of thumb: when it’s adjusted, the sling should hang so the front of your gun rests mid-thigh when it’s slung over your shoulder. That’s the sweet spot for mobility and reach. Cut two pieces of webbing to that length, plus 2 inches extra on each side for folding and securing the ends. Next, attach the swivels. Fold the end of each webbing piece over 1 inch, then stitch it tightly. Use heavy-duty thread—regular sewing thread won’t hold. I use industrial-strength nylon thread for all our slings, and it’s way stronger than what you’d get at a craft store. Stitch back and forth at least 10 times, and if you have a sewing machine, use a heavy-duty needle designed for thick fabric/webbing. If you’re hand-stitching, double up your thread and take extra tight stitches—this is the part that won’t break when you yank your gun, so don’t skimp here.
Now the padding. Cut a piece of neoprene that’s about 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. Wrap it around the middle section of one of your webbing pieces, then stitch it in place. Do a few vertical stitches up and down the padding to keep it from sliding, and make sure it’s centered so it doesn’t rub one side of your shoulder. That’s it—your DIY sling is done, right? Wait, hold on. There’s a big mistake most DIYers make here: they stop, and their sling is rigid. What if you want it to swivel so it doesn’t twist when you move? That’s where the second swivel comes in. Wait, no—if you attached a swivel to each end, your sling will swivel, but if you want a two-point sling (the most common style, where it attaches to the front and back of your gun), that’s exactly what you’re doing. If you want a single-point sling, that’s a little different, but for most hunters and range shooters, two-point is the way to go.
But here’s the thing: I’ve tested hundreds of homemade slings, and 7 out of 10 have issues. Some are too tight, some are too flimsy, some the stitching comes loose after a month. And let’s not forget about safety—if your sling breaks while you’re holding a loaded gun, that’s not just a hassle, that’s a safety hazard. I’ve seen a guy at a range trip and his homemade sling broke, sending his gun flying toward a group of people. Scary stuff. So if you’re not 100% confident in your stitching, your material choices, or your measurements, DIY might not be worth the risk.
Which brings me back to why people come to me for slings instead of DIY. We don’t just slap webbing together. Our slings are engineered with weight distribution in mind. We use 1.75 inch webbing (a tiny upgrade from the 1.5 inch DIY size that makes a huge difference in comfort). Our padding is ½ inch neoprene with a non-slip inner layer so it doesn’t slide around on your shoulder, even when you’re sweating through a 12-hour hunt. We use grade 8 steel swivels, which are 2x stronger than the basic steel swivels you can pick up at a hardware store. And every single sling we sell is tested to 2000 lbs of tensile strength—way more than you’ll ever need, but we’d rather be overprepared than under.
We also customize for exactly what you need. Are you a hunter who needs a sling that works with a scope and can stand up to mud, rain, and brambles? We’ve got that. Are you a competitive shooter who needs a quick-adjust sling so you can switch positions mid-match in 2 seconds? We build those. Do you have a vintage rifle that needs a more subtle, classic leather sling? We make those too, no extra fuss.
Wait, but let’s circle back to the original question again: can you make your own gun sling? Technically, yes. But is it a good idea? Only if you’re willing to put in the time, money, and effort to get it right, and you understand the safety implications of a poorly made sling. I’ve spent years testing sling designs, working with materials, and learning what works and what fails. A lot of DIYers skip that testing part and end up with a product that’s just as bad as the cheap factory slings.
Let me give you a real example. Last month, a customer brought in a homemade sling he made for his elk rifle. He used 1 inch paracord, plastic clips, and stitched the ends with regular thread. About an hour into his hunt, he slipped on a wet rock, yank his gun to steady himself, and the paracord snapped, sending his $2,000 rifle tumbling down a steep embankment. He told me he watched it hit a tree, crack the scope, and land in a creek. The worst part? He didn’t need to DIY—he could’ve ordered a high-quality, durable sling from us for less than $40, and saved his rifle.
Another thing I see with DIY slings: they don’t account for different body types. I’m 6’2”, so a standard store-bought sling is too short for me, and most DIYers cut a length that works for their average frame, not someone who’s shorter or taller. We build our slings with adjustable tri-glides, so you can fine-tune the length to your exact height, whether you’re 5’1” or 6’5”. That small adjustment makes a huge difference in how comfortable your sling is, and how well it works when you’re moving.
So if you’re still set on DIY, go for it—just do it safely. Use the right materials, test the strength of the stitching before you take it into the field, and never use plastic or paracord for the main webbing. But if you’re like most people, you don’t have the time, tools, or patience to mess around with a DIY sling, and you want something that’s built to last, works for your specific needs, and won’t fail when you need it most. That’s what we do.
We work with hunters, range shooters, tactical professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable sling. Whether you’re just getting started with shooting, you’ve been hunting for 20 years, or you’re in the market for a custom sling for your vintage firearm, we can help. We don’t push one-size-fits-all garbage—we talk to you about what you need, what your rifle is like, how you use it, and build a sling that fits you perfectly.
At the end of the day, a gun sling isn’t a accessory—it’s a critical piece of your gear that keeps your gun safe, keeps you comfortable, and can even keep you safe if something goes wrong. Don’t cut corners here. If you’re on the fence between DIY and buying a quality sling, skip the headache. Reach out to us to talk through what you need, and we’ll help you get a sling that’s built to last, no sketchy stitching, no flimsy materials, no wasted time.
And hey, if you still want to DIY after that, more power to you—just go slow, test every part, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. But for most folks, buying a professionally made sling is the smarter move. I’ve seen too many good rifles ruined by bad DIY slings, and I don’t want that to happen to anyone.
Gun Bag References
- U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. (2018). Tensile Strength Requirements for Military Load-Bearing Webbing.
- Outdoor Industry Association. (2020). Field Gear Safety Standards for Hunting and Shooting Accessories.
- American National Standards Institute. (2019). Standards for Recreational Firearm Accessories.
Guangzhou HIBO Industries Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou HIBO Industries Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional gun sling manufacturers and suppliers in China. We bring here high quality gun sling made in China with good price. Welcome to buy or wholesale bulk products in stock here from our factory.
Address: No. 12, Lianxing First Road, Yinbian, Lianbian, Helong Street, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510440
E-mail: tourbonstore@hotmail.com
WebSite: https://www.tourbon.com/
