Attaching a carrying sling to your Remington shotgun or rifle

Carrying a Remington firearm across the Australian bush requires hands-free convenience, whether you are walking fence lines on a cattle station outside Charters Towers or moving between shooting bays at a club in the Adelaide Hills. A well-fitted sling transforms how you transport a long gun, keeping it secure across your back during a hike to a remote stand. For Australian shooters who travel long distances on foot, a properly installed sling reduces fatigue and keeps the muzzle pointed in a safe direction when the firearm is not shouldered.

Before reaching for a screwdriver, it helps to understand that Australian firearms regulations treat slings as standard accessories rather than regulated modifications. Regardless of whether you shoot a Remington 870 in Brisbane or a Model 700 rifle in Hobart, the same practical installation principles apply. The process varies slightly depending on whether your firearm has factory sling swivels, a barrel clamp, or simply threaded holes waiting for hardware. Knowing your specific model makes the job quicker and avoids unnecessary trips to the hardware store.

This walkthrough covers the sling types commonly used by Australian shooters, the hardware needed for popular Remington models, and the step-by-step process of attaching both front and rear mounts. Whether you are setting up a 12-gauge for waterfowl hunting on the wetlands near Bool Lagoon or fitting a centrefire rifle for sambar deer in the Victorian high country, the approach is broadly the same.

Selecting the right sling style

Two-handed slings remain popular among Australian hunters because they allow the firearm to hang diagonally across the torso, distributing weight evenly over long walks. Traditional leather slings offer a classic look and a stable shooting platform, though they require occasional conditioning to prevent cracking in the dry inland climate. Modern nylon or neoprene slings are lighter, resist moisture during wet-season hunts in the Top End, and often include quick-detach swivels that make removing the sling simple when the firearm goes into a locked cabinet.

For those who frequently transition between carrying and shooting positions, such as pig hunters in the Queensland brigalow belt, a convertible or Chingon-style sling offers greater flexibility, letting you tighten the loop against the forearm for a more stable hold. Rifles like the Remington Model 700 benefit from adjustable-length slings so you can cinch the loop tight when crawling through scrub or loosen it for a relaxed carry across open ground.

Australian shooters should also consider sling width. Wider pads sit more comfortably on the shoulder during long stalks, particularly when carrying heavier centrefire rifles loaded with magnum ammunition. Those using their Remington for clay targets in Perth or Melbourne often prefer slimmer designs that do not interfere with the mount.

Hardware and mounting points

Most modern Remington rifles and shotguns ship with factory-installed sling swivel studs, making installation straightforward. The Remington 870 typically includes a stud on the bottom of the magazine cap and another on the rear of the receiver. The Model 700 features studs at the front of the forend and the rear swivel slot. If your particular firearm lacks these studs, aftermarket barrel clamps with integrated swivel sockets are widely available from Australian retailers, providing a non-permanent mounting option that does not require gunsmithing.

The typical tool kit includes a flathead screwdriver or hex key, a soft cloth to protect the finish, and thread-locking compound for added security. When working on a firearm stored in a category-compliant safe, ensure the action is open and the chamber is empty before beginning any installation. For those unfamiliar with the differences between ammunition types, this rimfire vs centrefire ammunition guide is worth a read before heading to the range.

A small brush and some degreaser help clean the mounting surfaces, particularly on older firearms where oil residue can prevent hardware from seating properly. Many Australian shooters keep a dedicated gunsmithing cloth in their range bag for this purpose.

Installing the front attachment

The front mounting point generally requires the most attention because it carries the bulk of the firearm's weight. On the Remington 870, the front stud is often located on the magazine cap or the barrel. To replace or upgrade this stud, first remove the magazine cap by unscrewing it counter-clockwise, taking care to retain the spring and follower. Older magazines can be stiff, so using a cloth for grip prevents damage to the blued finish.

Slide the new swivel stud through the hole in the magazine cap and tighten it clockwise, using thread-locking compound on the threads to prevent loosening under recoil. Reassemble the magazine tube components in reverse order. For rifles with wooden forends, the front stud typically screws directly into a pre-drilled threaded hole. Apply a small amount of thread-locker, then tighten until snug without over-torquing, which can crack the stock.

If you are working with a Remington shotgun that lacks a magazine cap stud, such as certain 870 variants with extended magazine tubes, an aftermarket clamp-on swivel is the simplest solution. These clamps attach without modification and can be positioned to suit your preferred carry angle. Many Australian shooters appreciate the ability to fine-tune placement before committing to a permanent mount.

Installing the rear attachment

The rear attachment method depends on your specific Remington model. The Remington 870 shotgun uses a slot or stud located on the rear of the receiver, just ahead of the buttstock. The Model 700 rifle features a slot at the rear of the buttstock that accepts a traditional swivel stud or a quick-detach swivel plate. Insert the swivel base into the slot, then secure it with the included screw or locking mechanism.

For shotguns with synthetic stocks, the rear sling point is often moulded into the stock itself, sometimes requiring a slotted plate and a T-nut for proper engagement. Ensure the hardware sits flush within the slot so the swivel rotates freely without binding. If you are upgrading from a fixed stud to a quick-detach system, the swap usually involves removing the old stud with a wrench and threading the new QD socket into the existing hole.

Many shooters in Sydney and Melbourne's suburban shooting communities prefer quick-detach systems for their convenience, especially when transporting firearms in vehicles where space is limited. A QD socket also allows the sling to be removed easily before the firearm is stored in compliance with state storage regulations.

Connecting the sling and making adjustments

With both swivel points installed, attach the sling by clipping or looping each end onto its respective swivel. Most traditional slings use a leather buckle or a sewn loop, while modern slings feature snap hooks or push-button QD fittings. Confirm that each connection is fully seated and that the swivel rotates freely. A loose sling is a safety hazard in the field, particularly when crossing uneven ground in the Grampians or the Blue Mountains.

Adjust the sling length so the firearm hangs comfortably at your preferred carry height. A common starting point is roughly arm's length, with the stock angled slightly downward for safe muzzle direction. Walk around your yard, mimic hunting movements, and tighten or loosen the adjustment until the carry feels balanced. For those interested in the practical differences between the main Remington shotgun families, this Remington shotgun comparison explains how each model's sling geometry differs.

After final adjustment, perform a pull test by gently lifting the sling at each end to confirm the hardware does not shift. Recheck all screws and swivels after your first range session, as recoil can occasionally loosen factory hardware. With the sling fitted, your Remington is ready for everything from a casual afternoon at the range to a multi-day trek across rural Australia.

Practical recommendations for a reliable fit

• Use thread-locking compound on all stud threads, especially on centrefire rifles that experience heavier recoil.
• Choose a sling length that allows the firearm to hang with the muzzle pointing down and slightly forward.
• Keep a spare swivel and mounting screw in your range bag in case of field failure.
• Inspect sling webbing for fraying after exposure to wet conditions common in southern Australia during winter.
• Confirm that all hardware complies with your state's firearms regulations and does not alter the firearm's category classification.
• Practice removing and reattaching quick-detach swivels at home before relying on them in the field.
• Clean mounting surfaces thoroughly before installing new hardware to ensure a secure seat.

Browse the full Remington Firearms Store catalog for compatible slings, swivel studs, and mounting hardware designed specifically for Remington shotguns and rifles. With the right setup in place, your firearm will be easier to carry, more comfortable on long days in the field, and ready for whatever the Australian outdoors brings your way.