Quick Answer
A DIY paracord sling for your rifle can be made by cutting a 50-foot paracord into two 25-foot lengths, then tying a series of knots to create the sling's shoulder pad and rifle attachment points. The knots should be spaced about 10-12 inches apart for stability. This project requires basic knot-tying skills and about an hour of your time.
Materials and Preparation
To make a DIY paracord sling, you will need two 25-foot paracord lengths, a pair of scissors or a paracord cutter, a piece of wood or a pencil for creating the shoulder pad, and a rifle to test the sling. Start by cutting the paracord into two equal lengths, then remove any excess material from the ends.
Tying the Knots
Begin by creating the first knot, known as the “bowline,” about 6 inches from one end of the paracord. This knot will serve as the shoulder pad attachment point. To tie the bowline, make a loop with the paracord, then pass the working end through the loop from the underside. Pull the working end to tighten the knot, then pass it through the loop again and pull to secure. Repeat this process, spacing the knots about 10-12 inches apart, until you have a total of 4-6 knots.
Attaching the Rifle and Finalizing the Sling
To attach the rifle, tie a second bowline knot about 6 inches from the other end of the paracord, leaving enough slack to fit over the rifle’s buttstock. Test the sling by attaching your rifle and adjusting the knots as needed to achieve a comfortable fit. To add a shoulder pad, cut a small piece of wood or use a pencil to create a flat surface, then tie a series of knots on either side to secure it in place. This will provide additional comfort and stability when carrying your rifle.
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