How to Soften a new Leather Sling

[Amputee Marksman]

Been using a borrowed sling for smallbore bullseye shooting. Finally got around to buying a new leather sling from Champions Choice. Sling was delivered today and it is very stiff.

What can I use on it to soften it up and also protect it at the same time? Could I use something like mink oil?

 

[Marty McFly]

I've used leather honey in the past. Worked well to help break in

 

[peterk123]

Rendered bear fat.

 

[Amputee Marksman]

Rendered bear fat.

Which one?

 

[peterk123]

Which one?

View attachment 850676View attachment 850677View attachment 850678

Any of them as long as it's real bear fat. No joke. It works.

 

[peterk123]

It has been used for many years. I have a jars of it right now. I seasoned my hunting boots with them. Little goes a long way.

 

[Marty McFly]

Any of them as long as it's real bear fat. No joke. It works.

I didn't realize it came like that. I thought you were going full Montana on us. I'll give it a shot too. Thanks!

 

[AMV]

I have always used saddle soap. Or neatsfoot oil

 

[Gidge]

I've used this for my work boots and it has worked well, I'd assume it work well for your leather sling ...

​

 

[peterk123]

I didn't realize it came like that. I thought you were going full Montana on us. I'll give it a shot too. Thanks!

You're original assumption was correct. We rendered about 30 pounds of bear fat this fall. Use it for cooking, but also on our boots. Stuff is amazing.

Hey, when in Rome

 

[Laderbuilt]

I use the paste version (linked) or their leather oil both work great.

Leather Preservative Originally Developed for Wild-land Firefighters

Industrial strength leather preservative keeps working leather looking like new. Originally developed for wild-land firefighters, Heavy Duty LP protects, preserves, and restores leather boots, saddle bags and chaps, automotive leather, belts, holsters, sheathes, athletic gear, and more.

www.obenaufs.com

 

[PatMcD]

Whatever you use, don't overdo it. I've seen guys use so much oil on their sling that it almost had a stretch to it. Ruined.

 

[Amputee Marksman]

I use the paste version (linked) or their leather oil both work great.

Leather Preservative Originally Developed for Wild-land Firefighters

Industrial strength leather preservative keeps working leather looking like new. Originally developed for wild-land firefighters, Heavy Duty LP protects, preserves, and restores leather boots, saddle bags and chaps, automotive leather, belts, holsters, sheathes, athletic gear, and more.

www.obenaufs.com

The guy who I borrowed the sling from recommended the Obenauf's

 

[MGnoob]

I’ve found using the silicone release agent, while it is still stiff most of the problems are resolved and after you use it just breaks it nicely… some weather conditioners is always a good idea too especially as ages and gets wet

 

[RumRunner]

I've been using neatsfoot oil for many years, has always worked well.

 

[mac1911]

I have a few leather slings for service rifle. Im not a heavy use competitor but
Turner says they are treated from the factory and to go very light on any oils after 1 year of use.
I did oil one and I hate it now. Its soft and spongy like pat says.

Also , wish I saved the email
Ron Brown slings told me no oils , treated to last years . Was told I should wear it out before it needs any treatment.

Use it it will “loosen” up.
I have 3 slings in use and I like how the Ron Brown setvice rifle slings have kept there firmness.
The Turner is feeling spongy they get equal use. The oiled spoungy one is on my 513t

 

[Road_Clam]

I've got a Turner and I was advised to NOT use chems to accelerate new break-in. I was told a slick trick to use a deep automotive socket at 180 degrees on a flat table and just work it back and fourth with wood blocks. Like mac1911 advised the best break-in is to just use as intended .

 

[mac1911]

I've got a Turner and I was advised to NOT use chems to accelerate new break-in. I was told a slick trick to use a deep automotive socket at 180 degrees on a flat table and just work it back and fourth with wood blocks. Like mac1911 advised the best break-in is to just use as intended .

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Yup , i used neetsfeet on one sling. Did not like the results
Turner recommended there own product but advised only after heavy use and only light application to smooth side Turner Military Leather Dressing - Turner Saddlery

My slings are not subjected to much weather other than the SUN when on the line.
Rifles I would carry into really harsh weather will have synthetic slings on them.

 

[Amputee Marksman]

I've got a Turner and I was advised to NOT use chems to accelerate new break-in. I was told a slick trick to use a deep automotive socket at 180 degrees on a flat table and just work it back and fourth with wood blocks. Like mac1911 advised the best break-in is to just use as intended .

I like this idea. I'm going to give it a try and use the sling before I put anything on it.

 

[Mountain]

I like this idea. I'm going to give it a try and use the sling before I put anything on it.

Good plan. Try nothing but break-in first.

Absolutely do not use neatsfoot oil or similar. You'll get that stretchy sponge that @mac1911 mentioned.

I do use just a little Turner Saddlery dressing on my Ron Brown slings. Didn't really soften them but gave a little water protection. Last couple years I have been completely drenched at Camp Perry and Camp Ethan Allen. Ended up laying in 3" of water during a stage at Camp Ethan Allen. Sling is still GTG.

 

[Road_Clam]

Good plan. Try nothing but break-in first.

Absolutely do not use neatsfoot oil or similar. You'll get that stretchy sponge that @mac1911 mentioned.

I do use just a little Turner Saddlery dressing on my Ron Brown slings. Didn't really soften them but gave a little water protection. Last couple years I have been completely drenched at Camp Perry and Camp Ethan Allen. Ended up laying in 3" of water during a stage at Camp Ethan Allen. Sling is still GTG.

Wow , thats crazy ! How were you able to keep your rapid mags from getting submerged ? Technically your mags need to be on your mat and alls you can do prior to the start is rest your hand on the mags ?

 

[Mountain]

Wow , thats crazy ! How were you able to keep your rapid mags from getting submerged ? Technically your mags need to be on your mat and alls you can do prior to the start is rest your hand on the mags ?

I have pockets on the front of my Creedmoor cart / stool. In such a deluge nobody expects you to leave your mags (or clips for vintage) in water. I'll say this- there was zero accommodation for that rain and the timing for the various stages ran by the rules, as they should.

 

[Mountain]

Wow , thats crazy ! How were you able to keep your rapid mags from getting submerged ? Technically your mags need to be on your mat and alls you can do prior to the start is rest your hand on the mags ?

Mags on mat- are those NRA rules? I'm not aware of such a rule for CMP.

 

[Road_Clam]

Mags on mat- are those NRA rules? I'm not aware of such a rule for CMP.

CMP rules.

 

[Mountain]

CMP rules.

Per CMP:

precharged magazines must remain on the ground, shooting mat or shooting stool.

 

[PatMcD]

I believe you can keep your mags anywhere except attached to the rifle, or on your person, which includes your lap

Edit. I meant can not be on your lap.

 

[Zeke]

The simplest answer to the original question, “how do I soften it?”, is use it. Do not use any leather treatments. A top quality sling, and anything from Champions Choice is probably top quality, needs no additives.