How to make a rifle sling last ten more seasons
After the season the leather is full of moisture and dust. Five minutes of care now saves you a new sling next year.
A rifle sling spends the whole season on your shoulder: in rain, mud, sun and a cold car. Natural leather takes all of that in its stride, but only if you don’t leave it in a corner of the cellar once the season is over.
Clean it, but not under the tap
Brush off dust and dried mud with a soft brush. If there are marks, wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry at room temperature, never next to a radiator or stove.
Feed the leather
After a season the leather loses some of its oils. A thin layer of balm or beeswax brings back its suppleness and keeps it from cracking where it bends.
- apply the balm with a cloth, in small circles
- leave it to soak in overnight
- buff off the excess with a dry cloth
The most common mistake is drying wet leather somewhere warm. It turns brittle and starts to crack right at the seams.
Store it where it can breathe
The best place is dry and dark, hung up or loosely coiled. A plastic bag traps moisture and the leather can go mouldy, so use a cloth bag or leave it on a hook.
If the sling does get damaged, get in touch and we’ll tell you whether it can be repaired.
