This self-shortening rifle sling gets out of the way when you don’t need it, thanks to a self-retracting design that is unique to German manufacturer Niggeloh.
The Niggeloh Automatic Pull sling has two distinct features that stand out on top of the usual quality and detail that Niggeloh puts into its products.
One is a built-in handle to slip your fore-hand into when aiming, and the second is its ability to retract like a seatbelt so it shortens itself when you unsling your rifle.
There’s a good reason to have a retractable sling. Slings get in the way and snag on things when they’re not on your shoulder. That’s why a lot of hunters remove slings before starting a stalk.
The Niggeloh sling resolves most of the concerns by pulling itself tight when it’s not being used, dramatically reducing the chances of it becoming a nuisance.
The retractor is housed inside the bottom end of the sling’s padded section and is compact so you hardly notice it. And you don’t have to think about it; it does its thing all by itself.
On my Tikka, the sling’s retracted length was just a bit too long to allow it to come fully taut, but it was still lots better than the sling that normally flaps around underneath the rifle.
A side benefit was that it tidied up the gun safe; one less loose sling getting stuck under other rifle butts or caught up as I pulled something out.
The Niggeloh’s other trick — the handle that gives the sling it’s Pull name — provides something to hold onto and pull backwards against when aiming, the idea being to help steady your rifle. It works but is not necessarily better than just hanging on to your rifle’s fore-end. Its benefits hinge on how you control your rifle out of habit.
I’m not usually one to hang onto the sling, but I gave this a conscious go and came to appreciate how comfortably I could anchor the rifle against my shoulder with it. I would also grip the stock with my thumb and fingers.
Even without those features, this is a great sling — very well made, with grippy straps and shoulder section that won’t slip, comfortable padding (also perfect for resting the fore-end on), and the stitching is fine and straight. All materials look like they’ll last.
It’s what you expect of something made in Germany. The Niggelohs I’ve had have always been hardwearing and functional.
The Automatic Pull sling retails for a recommended $229, and that’s without swivels — not cheap, but it does things others won’t.
Ask at your local gun shop or visit the Australian Sporting Agencies website. Â
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