I hate slings. They get tangled on things as you move the gun around and are generally just in the way. Unless you're carrying the gun a lot, or shooting long range off hand, I don't see the value.

However, a class I want to take requires it. So, what's your preference? Single point? Two point? Three point? Multi mission? Web? Leather? Grandma's crochet?

Why do you like that particular sling?

I have a rifle with no attachment points on it yet. So, school me up on that as well. Of course I want to go as cheap as possible, but I'll save up and spend what's necessary to get a good sling.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

I prefer a two point sling adjusted so you can shoot it old school style for off hand shooting. I can't find the video but the basic principle is to have the looped around your upper arm with your hand against the forward swivel. With your elbow tucked into your side and the rifle in shooting position, the sling should be taught. The sling will be between your arm and your body.

As far as what sling to use, that is personal preference. I like nylon slings for my black weapons and the old style military leather slings for my hunting ones. Item of note though on the leather ones. They will be a bit slick for a while until the shiny finish is worn or buffed off. That makes it a bit of a PITA when trying to keep the sling on your shoulder.

I prefer a basic 2-point sling. It's basic and just works.

A single point sling has the potential to turn into a nut breaking pendulum. It's good when transitioning strong/weak side.

For the life of me, I just don't get 3-point slings..

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-John

OK, so what model/make of slings?

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Freedom isn't free.

Magpul MS2.

I use a simple Blackhawk 2-point sling on my home built.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Rap...,1686,1342.htm

For a single point, I use a Magpul MS3.

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-John

Slings, like many other things, seem to revolve around personal preference. I used to go with single point slings, then I realized walking became difficult because my weapon hung to low, beating my knees and other parts of my anatomy. I have since gone with a two point setup using a multi-mission sling. My rifle hangs across my chest, just loose enough that I can bring it into action without fighting it, and no banged knees. I currently use a Magpul MS3 QD. These are good because they can be shortened or lengthened for whatever mounting points or shooting method I want to use, and with the addition of a QD on the receiver backing plate, I can convert it to a single point sling as well.

Mounts and mounting locations create a similar situation. For close action drills, mounting to the rear of the hand guard keeps the sling out of the way, but the weapon close. Mounting the sling forward on the hand guard gives you better access to the sling if you plan to use it for support when shooting off hand. If you go with a single point, the greatest advantage is being able to switch from strong side to weak side without disconnecting the sling.

If you have a railed hand guard, the Magpul RSA is handy. It allows you to connect a sling mounting point anywhere forward or aft on the hand guard. Depending on your stock, there a number of mounting options, from slings that wrap around the stock to slings that attach to the standard sling mount, and by adding a QD point, you have another option as well.

Sorry, this was a little longer than I planned, but hope it helps.

Good Luck and good shooting.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

2 point sling. When you literally let go of the rifle and do other stuff; tie a boot lace, climb over something.... you realize that YES, they suck a little, and wear at your neck. But they sure make 2 handed operations a whole lot easier.

I'm old school and like a basic 2 point sling, like the cotton web M1 / M14 sling. I learned to shoot with one growing up, so that is what I use.

For a tactical type class where your rifle should be in your hands almost all the time (short of transition drills) a single point is great.... they are light, simple and work.... while you have hands on the rifle.... try running with a handgun or equipment/casualties/etc and get back to me... your knees will learn a new definition of the word pain.... This is the style I used most in the military.... pretty useless for anything other than keeping a long gun attached in an emergency.....

A two point is much better for carry, and certainly better for supported shooting (both hasty and loop sling styles) but not really perfect at either....

a three point (giles sling) requires a mastery of calculus through differential equations to rig, but when done right can give you awesome carry and pretty good support.....

Confused yet? What class are you taking? someone here may have taken the class if its a big school and can help you with insider info....

I use the Spectra, I believe it is a three point(two mounting points to the riflr and clamp adjusting point on the sling?) Works great for follow shots, especially with my Cx4 .45. Stock lightly touching the shoulder, firing hand holding on, support hand pulling the rifle forward thus pulling the sling tight on your back. Only draw back is, it can make drawing your sidearm a bit tricky.

The sling I like is the Safari Sling. Its unique design allows the gun to just hang where you need it when both hands are free. It attaches at the normal sling mounts. This video shows the rifle carried muzzle up but when hunting, we generally have the rifle more horizontal. The Safari Sling HD - - - www.redi-mag.com - YouTube

Attached Images

safari.jpg (80.9 KB, 104 views)

I use Urban ET Slings on both my M&P 15 and my Benelli Super Nova Tactical. They are a modular sling that can be converted from a 2 point to a 1 point very quickly and easily. Being modular you can use what ever attachment points you need and change them very easily. So you could use 1 sling for more than one gun or if you where to sell one you would only need to change the ends not buy have to buy a whole new sling. A lot more features on it too. Very good service too. The link is :
(RUSH) RAPID URBAN-SENTINEL HYBRID Sling

Magpul MS3 Multi-Mission. I like this sling and have it on the 15 and 10 now. It allows both single point and 2 point attachment if you have push button capability on the rifle and easy, rapid conversion to switch. Way easier than those 3 point slings I got confused easily with......

Magpul MS3 Multi-Mission Single Point / 2 Point Sling Push Button

I've got a Magpul MS4 dual QD sling, Magpul RSA QD rail mount and IWC QD end plate.

The sling has an "Adjustment Loop" for operating with one hand that I haven't quite mastered yet.
The RSA is low profile and can be placed anywhere the operator wishes.
Using the IWC end plate, the QD can be engaged by collapsing the stock all the way which isn't the best idea.

I'm not yet completely sold on QD. I've only got a few total hours using the QDs and haven't been able to accidentally deploy one... but it's in the back of my mind.

Single point


Two point

The class I intend to take is the Front Sight 4 Day Practical Rifle course. A sling is necessary because that's how they want you to carry the gun; slung. It is not necessary for the shooting portion, but will certainly help for those longer shots.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

I'm a sucker for a nice M1907 leather sling. Old school, just love the old school stuff.

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Back to back World War Champs.

My preference, also. Then again, I'm an old high-power shooter.

Similar to CP, I run a 2pt with QD ends, a Noveske QD Endplate, and an IWC QD socket on the MOE handguard. Between them is a Padded VTAC that allows one hand adjustment, as well as a tri-glide which allow switching to SP, although I never do lol.

QD's have been stable for me so far, I also was a bit leary as I've seen a few cheap QD's pop loose over the years. Just make sure to use a quality product like MI, Troy, Blue Force, etc - not some 9.99 chinacom part and should be no problem. I haven't run into the rear QD engaging when collapsing the stock, but I rarely collapse it all the way down.

Honestly, for that class I would suggest just picking up a basic Blackhawk 2P sling and ends or something similar. You'll see plenty of sling variations at the class probably, and can get a better idea of what you want to move into, if even anything different at all.

Have one, hate it. The adjustment leaves a lot to be desired and the bulky front clamp is a poor design. They recently redesigned it as the "Paraclip" which looks much better.

Just ordered a BlueForceGear Vicker's VCAS (padded) two point with the Molded Burnsed Socket.

Weapon Slings : Vickers Sling - Acetal Hardware

Sling Hardware : Molded Burnsed Socket

I have a very basic Blackhawk web sling. It has no attachments at all. It's just a 1 1/4" piece of nylon with some plastic adjusters on it.

Like most things AR, I need some kind of attachment points added to the rifle to use the el cheapo sling I have. For my attempt at a 300 yard shot, off hand, I just cobbled it on the gun to help with support. It worked like that, but was really as much in the way as a decent support device.

Thus, I wanted a better engineered sling. The Magpul MS1 appealed to the geek in me, but you have to buy the sling and then some attachments to go with it. The miser in me didn't like that. So, I found a Magpul MS3 and RSA together for the same price as the MS3 usually sells for alone. They are on the way. Time will tell if they work for me.

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Freedom isn't free.

I think you'll like it. The MS3 and RSA work really well, and the nice thing about the MS3 is the adjustment. If you adjust the slings position on the rifle, the adjustment strap is easily used to loosen or tighten the sling.

Good Luck and good shooting.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

So, Rastoff, have you got that MS3 yet and if so, hows it working out?

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SFC, US Army, Retired

Yeah, there's a story behind that one...

Like I said, I found the sling for a good price on ebay. The seller claimed it was in Florida. Yesterday I got an email saying it has shipped by "China Post" and, at the earliest, it will be here by May 10th. I'm thinking it's not in Florida, but China. I reported the seller to ebay, but it is what it is and I'll just have to wait.

So, I can buy another one to get it faster or just wait. I haven't decided what I want to do yet.


On another note, the RSA showed up. It's really nice and just what I wanted. It's actually an RSA QD and came with the swivel. Quite happy with that buy.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

Wow, that kinda sucks. Glad you got the RSA OK. Those are pretty good as they give a lot of location options depending on your rail set-up.

Good Luck on your sling.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

Take a look at Frank Proctor's WOTG sling. It is a reasonably priced ($29) sling with a easy way of attaching it to the rifle.

Way of the Gun Performance | Store - Way of the Gun Performance

Here are some other options to look at

Most commonly used 2 point slings

VCAS
VTAC
Husky Amentum

Sling Mounting Hardware - The most popular is QD, but you also have HK style, MASH hooks and direct thread.

Mount n Slot
Magpul
Some more sling mounts
Mossie Tactics
Blue Force Gear
IKH SLAP

Since you've ordered this may not be relevant but, I took a marksmanship class that focused on using a sling for support while shooting. The class used the M1 web sling so that's what I tend to use on all my rifles. However, on my carbine length Sport I found I had enough adjustment to use an old M16 Silent Sling for support as well as carrying. I find the Silent Sling is a little to short to provide support when mounted on a rifle length AR.

If the class just requires a sling to carry your AR, I believe Silent Slings are less than $10

Comments and question from an absloute AR/tactical weapon newbie.

I'm 59 years old, and I've been around guns all my life, but never a tactical gun beyond a semiautomatic handgun. About a month ago I purchased a Smith & Wesson MP 15 Sport, and after running a couple of hundred rounds through it I'm happy as a clam. I figure it's time to add a few accessories.

Understand, I'm not a range nut, and I'm not looking to have a gun that's all dressed out to impress people. I am a function over form type of guy and I got this weapon, expecting it to do 2 things.

1. I got it as a home defense weapon.

2. I got it for hunting, primarily deer.

So far, I have changed the stock hand guard and added a 300+ lumen light. That's all, and I figure the next item needs to be a sling. I have pretty much decided on a two-point sling, and I have a question about attachment points.

Given that once you have a sling on your weapon, adjusted to the satisfaction of the user, it is my assumption that you rarely change things around. Unless you just constantly feel the need to be adjusting stuff, the sling is pretty much going to stay in one place, right? With that in mind, is it really worth the expense of going with QD type mounts? I had been considering the Magpul, MS 3 Gen 2 dual QD sling, but considering what I just said above, do I really benefit from spending the extra money? When you figure 50 bucks plus for the sling itself, plus $30 for an ASAP rear mount and another $30 for something like an RSA, I'm suddenly spending over $100 to simply attach a strap of webbing at 2 points on my AR.

Am I really getting a good bang for the buck? Do the QD mounts add anything besides the "cool, neat-o, peachy keen… Look at my awesome hardware" factor?

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

Me too. M1907 all the way.

I too am a function over form guy. Remember, I started this thread with the phrase, "I hate slings." A sling only serves two purposes, helps carry the gun over long distances or durations and may help stabilize the gun for long distance, off hand, shooting.


Here is why you want a QD sling:

For hunting the sling may be needed to carry the gun to your designated prey. It is unlikely that you'll be taking any super long shots off hand. The wise hunter uses some kind of support to ensure a good kill shot. I'm sure you're a wise hunter.

If it is to be a home defense tool, no sling is necessary. Shot will always be short and the gun can be put down any time in your own home. In fact, the sling is highly detrimental in close quarters. It can get caught on things as you move and will just generally be in the way.


So, the QD attachment fits your use nicely. Put the sling on, adjust it to the optimum setting, and go hunting. When at home, take it off so it doesn't get in the way should you need the gun. By using the QD mount, it won't need to be adjusted each time. The QD is certainly not needed, but it makes this transition much easier.


Now, two things you didn't ask about:
You are the weapon, the gun is just a tool.
The AR is a poor choice for home defense (but, better than nothing). Handguns are better and shotguns are best.

We can talk about why I say those things in another thread.

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Freedom isn't free.

The AR is filling out the trio. It accompanies a Glock Mod. 23 and a Winchester Mod 12 12 ga. pump with a 7 shot mag.

I am definitely NOT a TEOTWAWKI guy, but I am a bit of a prepper, and I wanted a rifle that would do double duty (Keeping cost down...retired on not a big income) to knock down a deer at less that 250-300 yards max, and do its job in case the conspiratist theory TEOTWAWKI types are right.

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

A very nice trio indeed. Based on that, I might upgrade the M12 to an 870 (870 is simpler), but you seem to have your plan well thought out. Please disregard and we'll go back to the regularly scheduled show.


Yes, the QD has value, but certainly isn't necessary if you're on a budget.

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Freedom isn't free.

If you're a quasi-prepper like me, you definitely covered the semi-auto pistol, semi-auto rifle, and shotgun bases. I diversify in center-fire 9mm semi-auto pistols, but in other firearms I usually only own just one example to cover the base. Seems like you still need:

• .22lr Rifle: Semi-Auto or Bolt
• .22lr Pistol: Semi-auto or Revolver
• Center Fire Revolver
• Center Fire Bolt-Action Rifle

I have covered these with:

1. .22lr Rifle = Ruger 10/22
2. .22lr Pistol = Ruger MKIII
3. Center Fire Revolver = Taurus M66B6 .38/.357
4. Center Fire Bolt-Action Rifle = Ruger American Rifle, Compact, .308 Winchester

These are affordable and didn't cost me an arm and a leg.

...just doing my job to suggest and enable...

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-John

Enabler alert!

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SFC, US Army, Retired

There are no "quasi-prepers." Either you're prepared or your not.

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Freedom isn't free.

Shhhhh... we don't want people to know...

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-John

Pardon the interruption... but you fellas might want to take a look at the ammo thread in the sticky area above. Palmetto has XM855 for 33 cents.

Woah. That's not bad.

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-John

Geeze...ya say the word "prepper" and all of a sudden everyone thinks you want a gazillion rounds...

Well...we do!

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

I haven't reached a gazillion yet so, I need to order more.

Phil,
Once you add the cost of shipping, this stuff is actually less expensive: 1000 round case - 223 Rem 55 Grain FMJ Brass Case Non-magnetic WOLF GOLD AR-15 Ammunition | SGAmmo.com

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Freedom isn't free.

Honestly, I think every AR owner should own a basic 2PT setup, even if they do migrate to a fancy tactical setup down the road - sometimes it's just hard to beat being able to throw a simple sling on at times. I've got several Blackhawk nylon slings - usually $10-12 or so depending on where you get it. Simple nylon, wide 1.25", plenty of length, doesn't slip. It will work great with your current Sport attachment points as is.

You can of course add a couple QD's, just be sure by a quality piece, not some no name china junk - they will fail at exactly the wrong time. So pick up a couple QD's for $30 or so, your in for $40 or so. Or spend a bit more and get a MS4 or other Magpul Sling variant. Or get uber tactical and you can drop close to a c-note on a sweet Vickers or VTAC rig .

Serious, highly recommend the Blackhawk for a simple low cost sling setup, and you and upgrade later as you decide what you like/need and not feel like you wasted money on it.

BLACKHAWK! Universal Tactical Sling 1.25" (2-PT) - BLACKHAWK!

I think I just broke a commandment about coveting thy neighbors gun.

I'm in love.

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Back to back World War Champs.

Well, I guess I got burned. The sling has not shown up. It had an estimate of 13 May and that's today, still no sling. I paid for the item way back on the 15th of April. I think 28 days is more than enough time to wait for a product to arrive from anywhere in the world. I've bought stuff from Hong Kong and Tokyo before and they arrived sooner than this.

I've been dealing with ebay since at least 1997. This is a first for me. No reply from the seller when communication was attempted and no item within the expected (yet ridiculously long) shipping date. It's not going to break the bank, but I'm still not happy about it.

Now I have to go find another sling.

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Freedom isn't free.

File a complaint & claim with E-bay and make use of the buyer protection.

__________________
-John

Sorry to hear that.
MS3 and RSA at Midway is $75 which qualifies for $15 off.

Probably better off buying from a well known store like Midway. There are so many Magpul counterfeits on Ebay and Amazon at tempting prices.

__________________
-John

Ebay won't let me file the claim today. Apparently I have to wait until after the 13th to say that it wasn't delivered. That's OK, tomorrow I will file.

If the thing comes in at a later date, rest assured that I will be checking it closely. I didn't realize that the authentic MS3 was made in the US. Well, it is. So, how could this one, even if it actually shows up, be authentic if it's coming from China?

I've already ordered an MS1. It's a shade more money, but I think it will work fine. I already received the RSA QD so, I'll be ready to go as soon as the new sling comes in.

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Freedom isn't free.

Sorry to hear this turned out so bad. I'm sure Ebay can get it fixed, just sad you'll have to wait on that process too.
Makes me a little nervous now. I just ordered a Lantac brake, and got a message today saying there was an error in their inventory. Should have some more there Wednesday and will ship ASAP. I guess I'll see.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

Personally, I think the VTAC is amazing. Watch this video.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhojNCdksYw

I use QD sling mounts on a magpul CTR stock and a magpul handgard with a mount-n-slot QD from impact weapons.
Impact Weapons Components
Overall, its freakin awesome.