Arm sling and rifle sling in biathlon – complete guide
The arm sling and rifle sling are important parts of a biathlete’s equipment and have a major impact on stability and precision in prone shooting. There are many different manufacturers and designs available, and the choice of model is largely personal and depends on what works best for each individual athlete.
Arm sling
Arm slings are available in many different designs and from several manufacturers. It is difficult to give exact recommendations on which model suits a specific biathlete best, as this is largely a matter of personal preference.
The purpose of the arm sling is to provide the attachment point for the hook located at the end of the rifle sling. For optimal function, the arm sling should sit firmly on the upper arm and should not slide down during use.
There are several methods for tightening the arm sling:
Arm slings are typically made from woven synthetic webbing. On the inside, a material is often added to reduce the risk of the sling sliding on the arm.
Some arm slings also include an integrated metal plate designed to reduce the transfer of pulse movement from the arm to the rifle, which can contribute to a steadier sight picture.
The width of the arm sling is typically 30–40 mm, providing a good contact surface against the arm and helping distribute pressure evenly.
The arm sling includes a metal loop where the hook of the rifle sling is attached. The design of this loop may vary depending on the manufacturer.
When the arm sling is used directly on bare skin, for example during warmer weather when short-sleeved clothing is worn, a neoprene arm band can be a good alternative as it reduces the risk of chafing and provides good grip on the arm.
Products related to arm sling
Rifle sling
The rifle sling is mounted on the rail underneath the rifle stock. It is usually attached using a hand stop placed at the position on the rail that best suits the athlete.
The height of the hand stop affects how the sling fits around the hand:
- a low hand stop results in the sling wrapping more tightly around the hand
- a higher hand stop creates more space between the hand and the rifle
- a higher hand stop usually makes it easier to insert the hand between the stock and the sling
Common hand stop heights are typically between 15 and 25 mm.
The rifle sling includes a wider section – a hand support – which provides a stable contact surface on the upper side of the hand. This part is available in different lengths to best fit the hand and is usually made from woven synthetic material or leather.
Attached to the hand support is a synthetic strap with a buckle that allows adjustment of the sling length. At the end of the strap there is a freely moving hook, which is connected to the metal loop on the arm sling.
By adjusting the strap length, the shooter can regulate the tension between the arm and the rifle, which has a significant impact on shooting stability.
The hook usually also includes an elastic cord. This is attached to the rear part of the rifle stock to prevent the rifle sling from hanging loose and moving freely when not under tension.
A good rifle sling should be:
- durable
- stable
- easy to adjust
- comfortable against the hand
- designed to avoid chafing during use
Products related to rifle sling
Instructional video – adjusting the rifle sling
Here you can watch the Swedish Biathlon Federation educational video showing how to correctly adjust the sling:
Biathlon – From Support to Sling – Educational material
Frequently asked questions
How tight should the arm sling be?
The arm sling should sit firmly on the upper arm without restricting blood circulation. It should not slide down during use.
How does the height of the hand stop affect sling function?
A higher hand stop creates more space between the hand and the rifle and usually makes it easier to position the hand correctly. A lower hand stop causes the sling to wrap tighter around the hand.
Which rifle sling should I choose?
A good rifle sling should be stable, durable and easy to adjust. It should provide good support to the hand without causing chafing.
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