499B sling use

[CrispCoach]

I know that slings will improve scores but I have 5-6 returning shooters who are all averaging 350+ with a couple in the 370's. None of them use a sling on the 499B. I've tried talking them into it and have experimented with each one but they do not want to use them (past coaches didn't require them to use them). I feel our sling setup is correct but their scores do not reflect it. I think it is more mental than anything. Anyone have any suggestions? These are all good shooters/kids and I am trying to get them a few more points on their scores. What do you guys think?
Thanks for the help.

[2650 Plus]

No Brag just facts. I coached 7 JC teams back in the early 80's to 6 conceutive Texas state championships and consistantly placed in the top ten at the international matches. This was accomplished using leather slings of my own design now being produced by several different sources. They are called "two buckle slings" and can be found on the internet. This sling is easy to adjust and easy to use. Just convince your shooters that they cannot expect to win giving the sling advantage to oponents. I went so far as to guarantee a win at the state championships so long as the shooters shot the way I taught them. The shooters believed me when I told them we would win because I believed what I was promising. Good Shooting Bill Horton

[Albert B]

Bill, do you have a picture of your sling?
I use a leather sling that is designed by Rob Meier (The Netherlands). It is somewhat like a biathlon sling - the loop around the arm with a halfround ring on the front and the part of the sling to the rifle pulled through this ring just like a biathlon sling hooks into the ring on the arm.

Albert B
(The Netherlands)

[CrispCoach]

Thanks for the advice ....which I"ve tried. But the thing is three of them got awards(one in the top ten, the other two in the top five of positions) last year at the state event "without" a sling. When I swap them over, their scores tend to drop. I've tried using "psychology" on them and have told them they need to try it for two weeks but to no avail. Just trying to get them to that next level because they really are great shooters. But kids will be kids.

[mikeschroeder]

Hi Bill

We use two buckle slings. We order them from a guy who posted on this site somewhere. I may be able to get his email if anyone wants it.

Anyway, all of our kids use slings. It holds the gun in position. Many of the air rifle kids couldn't shoot without one.

Mike