UNIVERSAL FIREARM SLING

Abstract

An ambidextrous firearm sling having a transverse webbing piece having a first end adapted to removably engage a first sling swivel near a forward end of a firearm and a second end adapted to removably engage a buttloop webbing piece is disclosed. The sling has a top webbing piece attached at a first end to the transverse piece and adapted to attach at a second end to the buttloop webbing piece. The buttloop webbing piece provides first and second mating ends and is adapted to encircle the buttstock of a firearm and engage the buttstock circumferentially by engagement of the first and second mating ends. The buttloop webbing piece is secured against transverse movement along the length of the buttstock by an attached anchor strap with a hook and loop fastener adapted to removably engage a second sling swivel on the buttstock.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This applications claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/862,023, filed Oct. 18, 2006, entitled UNIVERSAL FIREARM SLING (Atty. Dkt. No. BEST-27,246); and U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/953,681, filed Aug. 2, 2007, and entitled UNIVERSAL FIREARM SLING (Atty. Dkt. No. BEST-28,406), the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to firearms slings, and more particularly, to universal firearms slings fitting a variety of firearms in different configurations.

BACKGROUND

It is known that having a sling attached to a firearm can increase the utility and usability of the firearm as well as reduce fatigue to the user. Firearm slings perform multiple functions including allowing the user to securely carry a firearm while leaving the hands free to take on other tasks. Traditional shoulder slings, although effective in this regard, require a non-trivial amount of time for de-shouldering, or de-slinging, the weapon (i.e., moving it from the carry position on the shoulder into a firing or ready position). Furthermore, the act of de-shouldering gives the opportunity for mishandling of the firearm, which could lead to accidents, or a failure on the part of the user to have the weapon ready in a sufficient amount of time. In the event that a user were to lengthen a shoulder sling sufficiently to allow the weapon to be comfortably carried in a frontal position in order to decrease the time taken to place the firearm in a ready or firing position, the user would face the problem that the firearm would tend to fall to an “upside down” position when the grip was relaxed since most shoulder slings attach to a sling swivel located on the rear, underside of the firearm's buttstock. The advantages of a shoulder sling include that they are relatively simple to manufacture and a single sling can fit a variety of firearms.

A variety of combat or tactical slings are currently marketed that allow slinging or carrying of the firearm in an upright, frontal position such that the user can easily shoulder or discharge the weapon with little movement. However, the wide variety of firearms and weapon systems in use today means that a special sling may have to be designed for each firearm. Additionally, a different sling may be required depending upon whether the user wishes to carry the firearm right or left handed. Regarding military applications, this can create logistical problems where a variety of firearms may be employed in the same operating theater. In the commercial or home defense context, a retailer may be required to stock a variety of slings, some of which may not be brisk sellers, in order to satisfy an acceptable customer base.

Ongoing military and law enforcement operations have demonstrated the advantages of carrying firearms in heretofore unconventional carry orientations, e.g., muzzle down, and in heretofore unconventional sling configurations, e.g., one point on stock, two point on stock, etc. Conventional firearm slings do not provide the flexibility to utilize a single sling assembly to provide multiple carry orientations and multiple sling configurations for a wide variety of firearms. A need therefore exists for a more versatile firearm sling.

SUMMARY

In one aspect thereof, a sling assembly for attachment to any one of a plurality of firearms for suspending the firearm in an upright, generally horizontal orientation from a shoulder of the user, each of the plurality of firearms having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle, wherein some of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, whereas others of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The sling assembly includes a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end, and a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member. The first top webbing member includes a connector ring disposed at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end. The second top webbing member includes a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle. The assembly also includes a buttstock strap assembly including a circumferential webbing member having first and second mating ends and a side webbing attachment fixture, an anchor strap extending laterally from the circumferential webbing member, and a buttstock connector ring connected at a fixed position on the circumferential webbing member. When attached to one of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment member, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, and the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the side webbing attachment fixture of the buttstock strap assembly, the circumferential webbing member of the buttstock strap encircles the firearm's buttstock such that the buttstock connector ring is disposed proximate to the top of the buttstock and the first and second mating ends are removably engaged with one another to hold the buttstock strap on the firearm's buttstock, the anchor strap of the buttstock strap assembly is removably connected to firearm's second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the buttstock connector ring. When attached to another of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment member, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the back side webbing end of the side webbing member.

In another aspect thereof, an ambidextrous firearm sling having a transverse webbing piece having a first end adapted to removably engage a first sling swivel near a forward end of a firearm and a second end adapted to removably engage a buttloop webbing piece, and a top webbing piece attached at a first end to the transverse piece and adapted to attach at a second end to the buttloop webbing piece is disclosed. The buttloop webbing piece provides first and second mating ends and is adapted to encircle the buttstock of a firearm and engage the buttstock circumferentially by engagement of the first and second mating ends. The buttloop webbing piece is also secured against transverse movement along the length of the buttstock by an attached anchor strap with a hook and loop fastener adapted to removably engage a second sling swivel on the buttstock.

In another aspect thereof, a universal firearm sling kit for providing a universal firearm sling for attachment to any of a plurality of firearms having a front sling swivel mounted near the front of the firearm including firearms having fixed-length buttstocks and firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks, the firearms having fixed length buttstocks having a rear sling swivel on the buttstock, the firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks having a slot formed through the buttstock is disclosed. The kit includes a buttstock webbing assembly for use with firearms having fixed length buttstocks, the buttstock webbing assembly having an orbital member removably attachable about the circumference of the buttstock and having an attached lateral stabilizer strap removably securable to the buttstock sling swivel, a lower webbing assembly having a transverse webbing piece having an upper webbing piece attachment point and being adapted to attach to the first sling swivel and in the case of a firearm having a fixed length buttstock, to a buttstock strap assembly, and in the case of an firearm having an adjustable-length buttstock, to the slot of the buttstock, and an upper webbing assembly adapted to attach at a first end to the upper webbing piece attachment point and in the case of a firearm with a fixed length buttstock, to the buttstock webbing assembly, and in the case of a firearm with an adjustable length buttstock to the transverse webbing piece proximate the slot formed in the buttstock.

In another aspect thereof, a sling assembly for attachment to a firearm for suspending the firearm in an upright, generally horizontal orientation from a shoulder of the user, the firearm having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle is disclosed. The sling assembly has a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end, and a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member. The first top webbing member includes a connector ring disposed at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end. The second top webbing member including a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle. The sling includes a buttstock strap assembly with a self-tightening girthing strap adapted to circumscribe the buttstock horizontally and is anchored a predetermined distance from an end of the buttstock by a buttstock strap forming first and second loops about the girthing strap on opposite sides of the buttstock. The first and second loops also retain first and second D-rings for selective attachment to the side webbing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B shows a portion of an alternative top webbing assembly for the universal firearm sling of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows the universal firearm sling of FIG. 1A attached to a fixed-length buttstock firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows an opposite-side view of a portion of the firearm of FIG. 2A with the universal sling attached;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a universal firearm sling attached to a firearm with an adjustable-length buttstock in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a universal firearms sling attached to a firearm with a fixed-length buttstock in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional end view of the attached universal firearm sling of FIG. 4 taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional top view of the attached universal firearm sling of FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8G illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C on a firearm in a two-point attachment configuration;

FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C on a firearm in a three-point attachment configuration;

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C on a firearm in a one-point attachment configuration;

FIGS. 11A-11E show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a fixed-buttstock shotgun in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 12A-12E show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a fixed-buttstock ranch rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 13A-13C show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a fixed-buttstock military-type assault firearm in various two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 14A-14E show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a fixed-buttstock bolt-action rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 15A-15D show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a skeletonized, collapsable-buttstock shotgun in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 16A-16E show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a fixed-buttstock military-type rifle in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 17A-17E show the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C mounted on a collapsable-buttstock military-type carbine in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations;

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C in a one-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm;

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C in a two-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm; and

FIGS. 20A-20H illustrate mounting the universal firearm sling of FIGS. 7A-7C in a three-point configuration applied to an M-4 military firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the various views, embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments of the present disclosure are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present disclosure based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a universal firearm sling 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The universal firearm sling 100 includes two major components, the primary strap assembly 110 and a buttstock strap assembly 180. As is described in greater detail below, the primary strap assembly includes a side webbing member 120 which extends lengthwise along an axis of a firearm and attaches to a front anchoring point on the firearm. A top webbing assembly 140 of the primary strap assembly 110 is utilized by a user to bear the weight of the firearm. The buttstock strap assembly 180 serves as a second anchor point for the universal firearm sling 100 to anchor to a fixed length buttstock firearm. As used herein, the term “buttstock” refers to the furthermost (reward) portion of the gun supported by the user during firing, including collapsible stocks, folding stocks and pistol grip stocks.

As stated, the universal firearm sling 100 has two major components, a primary strap assembly 110, and a buttstock strap assembly 180. The primary strap assembly 110 includes the side webbing member 120 with front side webbing end 122 and back side webbing end 124. The side webbing member 120 (as well as the other webbing members described herein) may be standard nylon or ballistic nylon webbing that is commercially available. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing members of the present disclosure will be made from tubular webbing that may be woven as a continuous, seamless tube. The woven webbing may be obtained as flat stock, or in another form. The woven, tubular webbing may comprise high-tenacity fiber nylon or other suitable materials. The strength and thickness of the webbing material may be chosen based on the needs of the user. In other embodiments, the webbing members may be made from leather or another suitable material. In one embodiment, the side webbing member 120 has a number of strap adjusters 130, 132, 134, 136 selectively slidably attached thereto. The strap adjusters 130, 132, 134, 136 (as well as the other strap adjusters described herein) may be standard plastic or polymer strap adjusters sized to fit the associated webbing. In other embodiment, the strap adjusters may be made from steel or another suitable material. Preferably, one or more of the strap adjusters 130, 132, 134 and 136 are of a double-framed design (also known as “tri-slides,” “tri-glides,” or “ladder locks”). Such tri-slide adjusters feature three generally parallel bars arrayed perpendicular to the webbing. The webbing typically threads under the two outer bars and over the center bar (or vice versa) to allow positional adjustment without the use of a separate movable tongue. Such tri-slides adjusters may be equipped with fixed “teeth” or other gripping features that selectively grip the webbing to maintain the adjuster's position when the webbing is placed under tension, but reposition easily when the webbing is not under tension.

The primary strap assembly 110 also includes a top webbing assembly 140 having a first top webbing member 142 and a second top webbing member 160. The first top webbing member 142 is slidably attached on a front end 144 to the side webbing member 120 by a D-ring 146 or other sliding connector. The D-ring 146 may be plastic, polymer, steel or another suitable material. In this embodiment, the front end 144 is attached to the D-ring 146 by stitching or bar tacks 148. In other embodiments, buckles, tri-slides, snaps, brads, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or other means may substitute for the bar tack connection (as well as the other bar tack connections disclosed herein). The first top webbing member 142 may have a first side release buckle portion 152 attached on a back end 150. The first side release buckle portion 152 is selectively engageable with a second side release buckle portion 164. The side release buckle portions 152, 164 may be plastic or polymer buckles or another suitable fastener. The second top webbing member 160 attaches to the second side release buckle portion 164 on a front end 162. The front end 162 may attach to the second side release buckle portion 164 by looping through the second slide release buckle portion 164 and attaching to strap adjuster 166 which may then be used for adjusting the length of the top webbing assembly 140. The front end 162 of the second top webbing member 160 may secure to the strap adjuster 166 by stitching or bar tacks 167.

The second top webbing member 160 may also provide a dynamic expansion zone 172 for reducing shock load stress transferred to a wearer during physical motion. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the dynamic expansion zone 172, shown in partial cutaway, comprises one or more elastic elements 161 positioned within the tubular second top webbing member 160. In the embodiment illustrated, the elastic elements comprise parallel lengths of elastic elements 161, however rubber bands, springs or other known elastic elements could be substituted therefor. Further, by separately varying the length and/or stiffness of the elastic members, it is possible to “tune” the response or “feel” of the dynamic expansion zone 172. In a preferred embodiment, two elastic elements 161 will be used in the dynamic expansion zone 172. The elastic elements 161 of this preferred embodiment comprise cotton-cased natural rubber bungee. The cotton casing of the elastic elements 161 protects the natural rubber therein from exposure and from abrasion by the inside of the second top webbing member 160 as the dynamic expansion zone 172 flexes. The tubular second top webbing member 160 may be compressed or crimped and stitched across the ends of the elastic elements 161 with stitching 173 to allow sufficient loaded elongation in the second top webbing member 160. Furthermore, this configuration allows the second top webbing member 160 to retain substantially all of its load bearing capacity while providing expansion through the dynamic expansion zone 172. As described in greater detail below, a back end 168 of the second top webbing member 160 may be a free end of webbing material adapted to receivably attach to either a firearm or to the buttstock assembly 180. A strap adjuster 170 may be provided as an additional adjustment means or as means of securing the free end 168 of the second webbing member 160 to the second webbing member 160 to form an attachment loop.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, an alternative top webbing assembly in accordance with another embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, the dynamic expansion zone portion 172 of the second top webbing member 160 is selectively removable by means of quick-connect fittings 165 to allow optional dynamic expansion zone portions 163 having different elastic characteristics to be substituted for the original dynamic expansion zone portions (e.g., elastic elements 161) as desired by the user to accommodate his or her individual shooting style or preference.

Referring now back to FIG. 1A, the buttstock strap assembly 180 has a circumferential webbing member 182 with first and second mating ends 184, 186, respectively. First mating end 184 has an attached strap adjuster 185 that may be anchored to the first end 184, e.g., by stitches or bar tacks 188. A connector ring 190 may be provided either fixed or movably on the circumferential webbing member 182. The connector ring 190 may be a D-ring or other suitable attachment point for receiving the free end 168 of the second top webbing member 160 as described further below. A passage 192 may be defined through the body of the circumferential webbing member 182. The passage 192 may be formed directly in the circumferential webbing member 182 or formed from an additional webbing piece sewn or attached to the circumferential webbing member 182. An anchor strap 195 extends laterally from the circumferential webbing member 182. The anchor strap 195 is adapted to be affixed to a stationary mounting point such as a rear sling swivel of a firearm as will be described in greater detail below. To provide a secure connection, the anchor strap 195 may be equipped with hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or other affixment means. The anchor strap 195 may be attached to the circumferential webbing member 182, e.g., by stitching or bar tacks 197.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the universal firearm sling 100 is illustrated attached to a firearm 202 in accordance with the present disclosure. In the present figure, the sling 100 is attached to a firearm 202 having a fixed-length buttstock 204. The front end 122 of the side webbing member 120 has been looped through a front sling swivel 206 of the firearm 202 and threaded securely through strap adjuster 130. The sling swivel 206 serves as a mounting point to the firearm 202 and may be a standard sling swivel or other suitable anchor point on the firearm 202.

Referring now also to FIG. 2B, the buttstock strap assembly 180 is affixed to the buttstock 204 of the firearm 202. The circumferential webbing member 182 is first positioned such that the connector ring 190 is positioned at the top of the buttstock and the passage 192 is positioned at the side of the buttstock in line with the side webbing member 120. Next, the webbing member 182 is fastened about the circumference of the buttstock 204 and fastened securely by insertion of the free end 186 into the strap adjuster 185. The anchor strap 195 extends toward the rear of the firearm 202 and attaches to a rear sling swivel 208 by a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, the front sling swivel 206 and the rear sling swivel 208 will be substantially similar. Adjustments to the strap adjuster 185 and free end 186 of the buttstock assembly 180 and to the side loop 195 of the buttstock assembly 180 allows wide variety of firearms with differing buttstock sizes to be accommodated with the same buttstock strap assembly 180.

With the buttstock strap assembly 180 in place, the free end 168 of the second top webbing member 160 is looped through the D-ring 190 and securely fastened through the strap adjuster 170. The back side webbing end 124 of the side webbing member 120 is looped through the passage 192 and securely fastened in the strap adjuster 136. In this configuration, the firearm 202 has its center of gravity located below a line connecting the two attachment points, thus it remains upright even when the user is not holding it (other than with the top webbing assembly 140). This allows the firearm to be worn over the shoulder of a user “hands free” with the firearm 202 in front of the body in a generally upright position. By loosening the tension of the side webbing 120, the position of the strap adjusters 132, 134 may be moved along the length of the side webbing member 120 to allow the D-ring 146 the appropriate degree of freedom to slide along the side webbing member 120. By retensioning the side webbing 120, the strap adjustors are then locked in place. The total length of the top webbing assembly 140 can be adjusted by movement of the strap adjusters 166 and 170. The top webbing assembly 140 may be quickly disconnected by disengagement of the side release buckle portions 152, 164. The dynamic expansion zone 172 is provided to reduce felt shocks and vibrations when a user is carrying or running with the firearm 202. The firearm sling 100 is also ambidextrous in that it may be attached such that the firearm 202 may be worn left handed by simply attaching the side webbing member 120 on the opposite side of the firearm 202 and reversing the installation direction of the buttstock strap assembly 180.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a universal firearm sling 100 attached to a firearm having an adjustable-length buttstock is illustrated. The firearm sling 100 is now shown attached to a firearm 202 commonly referred to as an “M4” style, having an adjustable-length buttstock 310 and a built-in high-mount attachment point 312. The side webbing member 120 attaches to the front sling swivel 206 or other suitable attachment point as before. However, in this embodiment, the buttstock strap assembly 180 is not required, instead the side webbing member 120 back side webbing end 124 attaches directly to the high-mount attachment point 312 of the firearm 202. The back side webbing end 124 of the side webbing member 120 may be looped through the slot 312 and inserted securely into the strap adjuster 136. The free end 168 of the second top webbing member may then be looped through the loop formed by the back side webbing end 124 of the side webbing member 120 and securely fastened into strap adjuster 170. The user may optionally adjust the tension of the side webbing member 120 and the length of the top webbing assembly 140 by adjusting strap adjusters 136 and 170, respectively. As before, the sling 100 is ambidextrous in that it may be configured to the firearm 202 to be worn left handed by simply attaching the side webbing member 120 on the opposite side of the firearm 202.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a universal firearm sling 400 attached to a firearm 202 with a fixed-length buttstock 204 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The firearm sling 400 is substantially similar, in some respects, to the universal firearm sling 100 of FIGS. 1-3. However, the universal firearm sling 400 features a different embodiment of a buttstock strap assembly 405. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the buttstock strap assembly 405 provides a girthing strap 410 that circumscribes the buttstock 204 in a vertical direction. A D-ring 430 provides partial closure of the girthing strap 410 as will be better appreciated in subsequent drawings. A D-ring 435 provides attachment means for the girthing strap 410 to attach to the top webbing assembly 140. The D-ring may connect to the girthing strap 410 by bar tacks 436, or other means. A buttstrap 415 provides anchorage for the buttstock strap assembly 405 to the buttstock 204 to prevent movement in a horizontal direction away from the end of the buttstock 405. A D-ring 420 provides an anchor point for attachment to the side webbing member 120. The D-ring 420 may be secured to the buttstrap 415 by bar tacks 425, or other means. As can be better appreciated from the drawings that follow, the buttstrap 415 is ambidextrous in that it provides the option of mounting the side webbing member 120 on either side of the firearm 202.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the fixed-length buttstock 204 having the universal firearm sling 400 of FIG. 4 attached thereto is shown as taken along the line A-A of FIG. 4. As can be seen from this drawing, the girthing strap 410 comprises a plurality of continuous sections that interact with the other components of the buttstock strap assembly 400 to provide an adjustable, yet secure, attachment to the buttstock 204. A D-ring 510 is anchored to the girthing strap 410 by loops 520 and 530 formed from sections of the girthing strap 410. The loop 520 may not be adjustable and may thus be formed by bar tacks 515 or other non-adjustable means. The loop 520 also provides an anchor for D-ring 430 which, in turn, provides passage and guidance for the girthing strap 410 passing up to the end 168 of the top webbing member 160 via D-ring 435. D-ring 435 may attach to girthing strap 410 at loop 532 formed by bar tacks 436, or other fastening means. As the girthing strap 410 forms the loop 520 and circumscribes a portion of the buttstock 204 a first time, an interior strip 525 of the girthing strap is in substantially continuous contact with the buttstock 204. The interior strip 525 approaches the D-ring 510 and loops therethrough at loop 530 where it passes back around the buttstock 204 a second time forming a second exterior strip 535. This exterior strip 535 will be substantially in continuous contact with the inner strip 525. The exterior strip 535 passes through D-ring 430 and on to attach to the top webbing member as described. From this description and from FIG. 5, it may be appreciated that the girthing strap 410 is self-tightening about the buttstock 204 when the strap 410 is loaded by the weight of the firearm 202. The loop 530 is free to tighten against the D-ring 510 which attaches to the non-adjustable loop 520. It will be appreciated that this configuration allows a multitude of firearms with a wide range of sizes of buttstocks to be accommodated by the girthing strap 410.

As stated, the webbing used to construct the girthing strap 410 may be high tenacity fiber nylon and may be tubular webbing provided as flat stock. Once the girthing strap is properly fitted and tightened, there will be relatively little abrasion between the buttstock 204 and the girthing strap 410. In order to facilitate the initial fit of the girthing strap 410, part or all of the girthing strap 410 may be fitted with a hook-and-loop fastener shown as hook-and-loop fasteners halves 540, 541. In one embodiment, the half 540 will be the loop portion of the fastener while the half 541 will be the hook portion although this is not required. As can be seen in the drawings, each of the inner and outer strips 525, 535 may be fitted with a hook-and-loop fastener half 540, 541, respectively. In this manner, the girthing strap 410 may be fitted to the buttstock 204 and the initial fit may tighten with use, as described. Furthermore, the hook-and-loop fastener halves 540, 541 may serve to prevent any loosening of the girthing strap 410 when the load is removed therefrom. This promotes stability of the girthing strap 410 about the buttstock 204 and also reduces abrasion and movement of the girthing strap 410. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the buttstrap 415 passes orthogonally through the plane of the girthing strap 410. It can be seen that the buttstrap 415 may be split on each side to provide passage or of the girthing strap 410 therethough. In some embodiments (not shown), the girthing strap 410 and the buttstrap 415 may be attached or fastened together at the points where they meet.

Referring now to FIG. 6 another cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 4 of the fixed-length buttstock 204 having the universal firearm sling 400 of FIG. 4 attached thereto is shown. As may be seen from this view, the buttstrap 415 forms loops 605 on either side of the buttstock 204. These loops 605 may be secured by bar tacks 615 or other fastening means. The loops 605 provide an anchor points for the D-ring 420 and an opposite D-ring 610. As can be seen, the D-ring 420 connects the buttstrap 415 to the end 124 of the side webbing member 120. The D-ring 610 could also be utilized if the side webbing member were attached to the opposite side of the buttstock 204. Thus both right and left handed mounting options are provided for the firearm sling 400. It can also be seen from FIG. 6 that the loops 605 provide passage for the girthing strap 410 as well as the associated hook-and-loop fastener halves 540, 541. As stated, in some embodiments, the girthing strap 410 and the buttstrap 415 may be fastened together where they pass. In other embodiments, this is not necessary as the various straps and webbing described herein will generally stay in place when tightened without the need for fastening. In either event, the loops 605 will operate to maintain the girthing strap 410 in a fixed relationship relative to the buttstock 204 and prevent the girthing strap 410 from sliding toward the barrel end of the firearm 202. Repeated adjustments are therefore not needed and the length of the buttstrap 415 may be chosen according to the desired location along the buttstock 204 for the girthing strap 410 to maintain proper balance of the firearm 202 when carried while ensuring that the girthing strap 410 does not interfere during shooting.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a universal firearm sling in accordance with the present disclosure. The universal firearm sling 700 includes a shoulder strap 702, a fixed buttstock strap (also known as a UNI-LINK™) 704 and a traversing strap 706. Except as noted herein, the shoulder strap 702 is substantially similar to the top webbing member 140 described in connection with slings 100 and 400, the buttstock strap 704 is substantially similar to the fixed buttstock strap assembly 405 of sling 400, and the traversing strap 706 is substantially similar to the side webbing member 120 of slings 100 and 400.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the shoulder strap 702 includes structural differences compared to top webbing member 140 of the previous embodiments. First, the front end 144 of the shoulder strap 702 does not have a fixed anchor point comprising a permanently mounted D-ring 146 and bar tacks 148. Instead, the front end 144 of shoulder strap 702 has a reconfigurable anchor point including a free end 708 and an additional strap adjuster 710 (also called a “sliplock”). This reconfigurable anchor point can be used to form loops of various sizes for connecting the shoulder strap 702 to itself or other components of the sling 700, directly to the firearm, or both, yielding many new carry and configuration options.

Another structural difference is the new side-release buckle 712 that connects the first top webbing member 142 of shoulder strap 702 to the second top webbing member 160. The buckle 712 includes front and back portions 714 and 716. The front portion 714 has a de-tensioning lanyard 718 attached so as to allow the user to more easily adjust the length of the first top webbing member 142. This is accomplished by pulling the de-tensioning lanyard 718 back with one hand, then adjusting the webbing length by pulling on free end 150 with the other hand.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, the traversing strap 706 includes an oval ring 720 (also known as a “D-ring”) disposed on the strap between strap adjustors 132 and 134 (i.e., sliplocks 5 and 6) that is not present in the previously described slings 100 or 400. The oval ring 720 provides a “floating” anchor point for attachment of the shoulder strap 702 to the traversing strap 706, e.g., for a three-point connection. The position of the oval ring 720 can be fixed or restricted by re-positioning strap adjustors 132 and 134 along the traversing strap 706.

The firearm sling 700 may be used for all of the three-point carry configurations previously described for slings 100 and 400. In addition, the sling 700 is capable of supporting the firearm in other orientations, e.g., muzzle down carry, and other mounting configurations, including various one-point and two-point mounts, as further described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8G, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a firearm in a two-point attachment configuration using shoulder strap 702 and fixed buttstock strap 704. Fixed buttstock strap 704 is mounted to the buttstock 802 of rifle 800. The straps of the fixed buttstock strap are separated by the hook and loop. The buttstock strap can then be adjusted to fit the buttstock 802 by pulling the oval ring 2. End A (FIGS. 8C-8D) of the shoulder strap 702 is looped through oval ring 2 and then fed through sliplock buckle 3 of the shoulder strap thereby securing end A. End B (FIGS. 8E-8G) of the shoulder strap looped through the front sling mount of the firearm 800, and then threaded through the sliplock buckle 1. Sliplock buckle 2 of the shoulder strap may then be used to adjust the size of the universal firearm sling.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9J, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a firearm in a three-point attachment configuration using shoulder strap 702, fixed buttstock strap 704 and traversing strap 706. As described previously, the fixed buttstock strap is fitted and secured to the buttstock 902 of the firearm 900. Once the fixed buttstock strap is secured to the buttstock, end D (FIGS. 9C-9D) of the traversing strap is looped through oval ring 4 of the buttstock strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle 7 of the traversing strap. End A (FIG. 9E) of the shoulder strap is looped through oval ring 2 of the buttstock strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle 3 of the shoulder strap. End C (FIG. 9H) of the traversing strap is lopped through the front sling mount of the firearm 900, and then fed through sliplock buckle 4 of the traversing strap. End B (FIG. 9J) of the shoulder strap is looped through oval ring 1 of the traversing strap, and then fed through sliplock buckle 1 of the shoulder strap.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a firearm 1000 in a one-point attachment configuration using only shoulder strap 702. End B (FIGS. 10A-10B) of the shoulder strap is threaded around butt-end 1004 of firearm 1000 and then threaded through sliplock buckle 1. End A (FIGS. 10C-10D) of the shoulder strap is fed through passage 1006, traveling from the buttstock to the front of the firearm. End A is fed through sliplock buckle 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock shotgun 1100 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 11A shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a shotgun, using only shoulder strap 702. As described in FIGS. 10A-10E, end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm. FIG. 11B shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a shotgun, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 11C shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a shotgun using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in FIGS. 8A-8G. FIG. 11D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a shotgun using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 11E shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a shotgun using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in FIGS. 9A-9J.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock ranch rifle 1200 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 12A shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 12B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle, using only shoulder strap 702. As described in FIGS. 10A-10E, end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In FIG. 12B, End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm. FIG. 12C show the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a ranch rifle using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in FIGS. 8A-8G. FIG. 12D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a ranch rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 12E shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a ranch rifle using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in FIGS. 9A-9J.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock military-type assault firearm 1300 in various two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 13A shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault firearm using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 13B show the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault firearm using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in FIGS. 8A-8G. FIG. 13C shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault firearm using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in FIGS. 9A-9J.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a fixed-buttstock bolt-action rifle 1400 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 14A shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 14B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle, using only shoulder strap 702. As described in FIGS. 10A-10E, end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In FIG. 14B, End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm. FIG. 14C shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a bolt-action rifle using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in FIGS. 8A-8G. FIG. 14D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a bolt-action rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 14E shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a bolt-action rifle using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in FIGS. 9A-9J.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15D, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm 1500 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 15A shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 15B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 15C shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm, using shoulder strap 702 and traversing strap 706. End D of the traversing strap is fed through the rear mount and fed through sliplock 7. End A of the shoulder strap is fed through the rear mount and fed back through sliplock 2. End B of the shoulder strap is then fed through oval ring 1 and fed back through sliplock 1. FIG. 15D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a collapsable-buttstock firearm using the shoulder strap as described in FIGS. 10A-10E. In FIG. 15D, end A is fed through the rear swivel mount and fed back through sliplock buckle 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to another fixed-buttstock military-type assault weapon 1600 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 16A shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 16B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon, using only shoulder strap 702. As described in FIGS. 10A-10E, end B of the shoulder strap is secured to the butt-end of the firearm. In FIG. 16B, End A is secured to the rear swivel mount of the firearm. FIG. 16C shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault weapon using the shoulder strap and the fixed buttstock strap. The fixed buttstock strap and shoulder strap are applied as previously described in FIGS. 8A-8G. FIG. 16D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type assault weapon using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 16E shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point confirmation applied to a military-type assault weapon using the shoulder strap, the fixed buttstock strap and the traversing strap as described in FIGS. 9A-9J.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated applied to a collapsable-buttstock military-type carbine weapon 1700 in various one-point, two-point and three-point attachment configurations. FIG. 17A shows the universal firearm sling in a one-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon, using only the shoulder strap as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10E. FIG. 17B shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point confirmation applied to a military-type carbine weapon using the shoulder strap as described in FIGS. 10A-10E. In FIG. 17B, end A is fed through the rear swivel mount and fed back through sliplock buckle 3. FIG. 17C shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon rifle using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the buttstock slot of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 17D shows the universal firearm sling in a two-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon using only the shoulder strap wherein end A is looped through the front swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 3, and wherein end B is looped through the rear swivel end of the firearm and fed through sliplock buckle 1. FIG. 17E shows the universal firearm sling in a three-point configuration applied to a military-type carbine weapon, using shoulder strap 702 and traversing strap 706. End D of the traversing strap is fed through the rear mount and fed through sliplock 7. End A of the shoulder strap is fed through the rear mount and fed back through sliplock 2. End B of the shoulder strap is then fed through oval ring 1 and fed back through sliplock 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated in a one-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon 1800 using only shoulder strap 702. End A of the shoulder strap is passed through the sling mount and threaded back through sliplock 3. End B of the shoulder strap is passed through the loop created by end A passing through the sling amount and threading back through sliplock 3. End B is threaded back through sliplock buckle 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19E, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated in a two-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon 1900 using only shoulder strap 702. In FIGS. 19A-19B, end A is passed through a buttstock slot, wrapped around the buttstock, and threaded through sliplock buckle 3. In FIGS. 19C-19E, end B is passed through the front sling mount and threaded back through sliplock buckle 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A-20H, the universal firearm sling 700 is illustrated in a three-point configuration applied to an M-4 military weapon 2000 using the shoulder strap and traversing strap. In FIGS. 20A-20B, end A is passed through a buttstock slot, wrapped around the buttstock, and threaded through sliplock buckle 3. In FIGS. 20C-20D, end D of the traversing strap is passed through the loop created by end A passing through the buttstock slot, and threaded through sliplock buckle 7. In FIGS. 20E-20H, end C of the traversing strap is passed through the front sling mount and threaded back through sliplock buckle 4. End B of the shoulder strap is passed through oval ring 1 and threaded back through sliplock buckle 1.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that a universal, ambidextrous firearm sling is provided. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure includes any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

Claims

1. A sling assembly for attachment to any one of a plurality of firearms for suspending the firearm, each of the plurality of firearms having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle, wherein some of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, whereas others of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the sling assembly comprising:

a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end;

a plurality of strap adjusters disposed along the side webbing member including at least first and second strap adjusters adjustably disposed proximate the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end, respectively, and adapted to receive the doubled front side webbing end and back side webbing end respectively, when the sling assembly is attached to a firearm, and third and fourth strap adjusters adjustably disposed between the first and second strap adjusters;

a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member; the first top webbing member including a connector ring permanently attached at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the third and fourth strap adjusters to restrict the movement of the connector ring to a selected portion along the side webbing member; the second top webbing member including a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle; and

a buttstock strap assembly including a circumferential webbing member having first and second mating ends and a side webbing attachment fixture, an anchor strap extending laterally from the circumferential webbing member, and a buttstock connector ring connected at a fixed position on the circumferential webbing member;

whereby, when attached to one of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment member, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, and the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the side webbing attachment fixture of the buttstock strap assembly, the circumferential webbing member of the buttstock strap encircles the firearm's buttstock such that the buttstock connector ring is disposed proximate to the top of the buttstock and the first and second mating ends are removably engaged with one another to hold the buttstock strap on the firearm's buttstock, the anchor strap of the buttstock strap assembly encircles a portion of the buttstock to limit transverse movement along the buttstock, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the buttstock connector ring; and

whereby, when attached to another of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment fixture, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the back side webbing end of the side webbing member.

2. The sling assembly of claim 1, further comprising a dynamic expansion zone disposed within a length of the second top webbing member.

3. The sling assembly of claim 2, wherein the dynamic expansion zone includes at least one length of cotton-cased natural rubber bungee cord secured in an interior canal of the second top webbing member.

4. The sling assembly of claim 1, wherein the side webbing member, the first top webbing member, the second top webbing member, and the circumferential webbing member are each made from tubular nylon fiber webbing.

5. The sling assembly of claim 1, wherein the second top webbing member includes at least one strap adjuster for adjusting a length of the second top webbing member.

6. The sling assembly of claim 1, wherein the side webbing member is formed of a continuous strip of tubular nylon webbing.

7. A sling assembly for attachment to any one of a plurality of firearms for suspending the firearm, each of the plurality of firearms having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle, wherein some of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, whereas others of the plurality of firearms, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, include a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the sling assembly comprising:

a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end;

a plurality of strap adjusters disposed along the side webbing member including at least first and second strap adjusters adjustably disposed proximate the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end, respectively, and adapted to receive the doubled front side webbing end and back side webbing end respectively, when the sling assembly is attached to a firearm, and third and fourth strap adjusters adjustably disposed between the first and second strap adjusters;

a connector ring removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the third and fourth strap adjusters to restrict the movement of the connector ring to a selected portion along the side webbing member

a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member; the first top webbing member including a free front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end and a strap adjuster disposed proximate the free front end and adapted to received the doubled free front end; the second top webbing member including a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle; and

a buttstock strap assembly including a circumferential webbing member having first and second mating ends and a side webbing attachment fixture, an anchor strap extending laterally from the circumferential webbing member, and a buttstock connector ring connected at a fixed position on the circumferential webbing member;

whereby, when attached to one of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed along the lower surface of the buttstock, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment fixture, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, and the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the side webbing attachment fixture of the buttstock strap assembly, the circumferential webbing member of the buttstock strap encircles the firearm's buttstock such that the buttstock connector ring is disposed proximate to the top of the buttstock and the first and second mating ends are removably engaged with one another to hold the buttstock strap on the firearm's buttstock, the anchor strap of the buttstock strap assembly encircles a portion of the buttstock to limit transverse movement along the buttstock, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the buttstock connector ring; and

whereby, when attached to another of the plurality of firearms that, when oriented upright with the longitudinal axis generally horizontal, includes a second sling attachment fixture disposed above the lower surface of the buttstock proximate to the longitudinal axis, the front side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's first sling attachment fixture, the side webbing member is disposed generally parallel to the firearm's longitudinal axis, the back side webbing end of the side webbing member is removably connected to the firearm's second sling attachment fixture, and the back end of the second top webbing member is removably connected to the back side webbing end of the side webbing member.

8. An ambidextrous firearm sling comprising:

a transverse webbing piece having a first end adapted to removably engage a first sling swivel near a forward end of a firearm and a second end adapted to removably engage a buttloop webbing piece; and

a top webbing piece attached at a first end to the transverse webbing piece and adapted to attach at a second end to the buttloop webbing piece;

wherein the buttloop webbing piece provides first and second mating ends and is adapted to encircle the buttstock of a firearm and engage the buttstock circumferentially by engagement of the first and second mating ends;

wherein the buttloop webbing piece is secured against transverse movement along the length of the buttstock by an attached anchor strap having a hook and loop fastener.

9. The ambidextrous firearm sling of claim 8 further comprising an elastically expandable segment in the top webbing piece adapted to elastically absorb shocks produced when carrying a firearm using the ambidextrous firearm sling.

10. The ambidextrous firearm sling of claim 8 wherein the transverse webbing piece is formed from a single continuous tubular webbing piece having at least two first strap adjusters disposed near opposite ends of the transverse webbing piece and adapted to accept doubled ends of the transverse webbing piece for attaching the transverse webbing piece to the first sling swivel and buttloop webbing piece and at least two additional strap adjusters disposed between the two first strap adjusters.

11. The ambidextrous firearm sling of claim 8 wherein the transverse webbing piece, the top webbing piece, and the buttloop webbing piece are made from high tenacity fiber nylon tubular webbing.

12. The ambidextrous firearm sling of claim 8 wherein the top webbing piece further comprises first and second top webbing piece members that are selectively detachable from one another via a side release buckle.

13. A universal firearm sling kit for providing a universal firearm sling for attachment to any of a plurality of firearms having a front sling swivel mounted near the front of the firearm including firearms having fixed-length buttstocks and firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks, the firearms having fixed length buttstocks having a rear sling swivel on the buttstock, the firearms with adjustable-length buttstocks having a slot formed through the buttstock, the universal firearm sling kit comprising:

a buttstock webbing assembly for use with firearms having fixed length buttstocks, the buttstock webbing assembly having an encircling member removably attachable about the circumference of the buttstock and having an attached lateral stabilizer strap removably securable around a rear portion of the buttstock;

a lower webbing assembly having a transverse webbing piece having an upper webbing piece attachment point and being adapted to attach to the first sling swivel and in the case of a firearm having a fixed length buttstock, to a buttstock strap assembly, and in the case of an firearm having an adjustable-length buttstock, to the slot of the buttstock; and

an upper webbing assembly adapted to attach at a first end to the upper webbing piece attachment point and in the case of a firearm with a fixed length buttstock, to the buttstock webbing assembly, and in the case of a firearm with an adjustable length buttstock to the transverse webbing piece proximate the slot formed in the buttstock.

14. The universal firearm sling kit of claim 13, wherein the lower webbing assembly transverse piece is formed of a continuous length of tubular flat stock ballistic nylon.

15. The universal firearm sling kit of claim 13, wherein the upper webbing piece attachment point comprises a D-ring slidably secured by first and second strap adjusters.

16. The universal firearm sling kit of claim 13 wherein the upper webbing piece is adapted to elastically expand when exposed to shock tensile stress.

17. The universal firearm sling kit of claim 13 wherein the lateral stabilizer strap is removably securable to the buttstock by a hook and loop fastener.

18. A sling assembly for attachment to a firearm for suspending the firearm in an upright, generally horizontal orientation from a shoulder of the user, the firearm having a muzzle at one end, a buttstock at the opposite end, a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle and the buttstock, and a first sling attachment fixture disposed proximate the muzzle, the sling assembly comprising:

a side webbing member having a front side webbing end and a back side webbing end;

a top webbing assembly including a first top webbing member and a second top webbing member; the first top webbing member including a connector ring disposed at a front end and a first portion of a side release buckle disposed at a back end, the connector ring being removably slidably fitted over the side webbing member between the front side webbing end and the back side webbing end; the second top webbing member including a front end and a back end, a second portion of a side release buckle being disposed at the front end, the second portion of the side release buckle being selectively connectable to the first portion of the side release buckle; and

a buttstock strap assembly including a self-tightening girthing strap adapted to circumscribe the buttstock horizontally and being anchored a predetermined distance from an end of the buttstock by a buttstock strap forming first and second loops about the girthing strap on opposite sides of the buttstock;

wherein the first and second loops also retain first and second D-rings for selective attachment to the side webbing member.

19. The sling assembly of claim 18, further comprising a hook and loop fastener attached to the girthing strap and adapted to retain the girthing strap in a fixed position about the buttstock prior to having a self-tightening load applied to the girthing strap.

20. The sling assembly of claim 19, wherein the side webbing member, the first and second top webbing members, the girthing strap, and the buttstrap, each comprise a length of high tenacity fiber nylon woven as tubular flat stock.

21. The sling assembly of claim 20, wherein the second top webbing member further comprises a dynamic expansion zone with at least one length of cotton-cased natural rubber bungee sewn within a crimped portion of the second top webbing member.