Hamilton Slipstand

In many ways this is not a new idea but more one that has now been perfected, a self- supporting gun slip that actually works and works extremely well. Unlike conventional slips that require the shooter to bend down or hang it on a convenient branch, Hamilton Shooting’s SlipStand is angled at 45degrees when standing, ensures your shotgun is presented to you in the most convenient, safe and protected fashion. This in turn also promotes gun safety and precludes the need for your valuable gun or slip to ever be placed on the ground where its always at risk of being trodden on, covered in mud or propped up on a precarious gun stand.

Layers of Protection

Looking like a slimmed down golf bag, the SlipStand has been designed to accommodate any shotgun with a maximum barrel length of 32”. Manufactured from a thick and durable padded waterproof outer layer, this in turn is lined with a soft plush fabric that unlike most others types of faux sheepskin, doesn’t transfer particles of fluff onto the bead. Between these enveloping layers is a semi-flexible sleeve that adds another protective skin running from the solid plastic base three-quarter of the way to the top. Importantly, the design also means that your gun slides easily in and out without fouling on the lining or any other inner obstacle or protrusion. From here a double zip encloses the top of the slip sealing in the gun from the elements and other harmful intrusions whilst an umbrella holder and deep zipped external pocket allows the shooter to carry a full set of chokes and accessories, paperwork - and that all important bottle of mineral water.

Deployingand Retracting

To activate the integrated sprung legs all the shooter has to do is place the SlipStand on the ground; a larger foot that incorporates the cam system instantly deploys the legs forming a ‘tripod’. Once the legs are in position, by unzipping the top of the SlipStand, a large tongue folds down leaving the rest to act as a protective shroud that even allows the shooter to partially withdraw the gun and leave it broken open in readiness, all the whilst your precious smoothbore stillfully protected.

The act of picking up the case sees the cam immediately reverse the process, the legs automatically retracting flush to the slip and well out of the way.

Ready and Waiting

Having used the SlipStand for well over two months, it has now become a core piece of my shooting kit. The broad padded shoulder strap, padded handle and fixtures makes easy to use, comfortable and balanced to carry whilst the overall construction means that whatever shotgun I’m transporting is kept safe, secure and free from potential damage at all times. When deployed the legs are long enough to ensure that no matter how uneven the surface, the SlipStand and contents are stable and strongly supported whilst remaining fully cradled, ready and waiting the moment it’s needed.

It looks good on either a clay or game shoot and is strong enough to also support a cartridge bag and jacket - two other items that often end up sat in the mud. The practicalities of the SlipStand become more and more obvious each and every time I’ve used it. 

Available in a range of colours and costing £89.95 for the model as tested (the leather version will cost slightly more) the SlipStand is an excellent piece of kit at a price most shooters can’t quite credit. For more details on the SlipStand give Hamilton Shooting a call on 0845 0944 741 or visit www.hamiltonshooting.com.