Let's talk slings

[Rastoff]

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.

 

[sgtsandman]

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.

 

[JaPes]

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..

 

[Rastoff]

OK, so what model/make of slings?

 

[AR-Getsome]

Magpul MS2.

 

[JaPes]

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

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Rapid-Adjust-2-Point-Sling-2-PT,1686,1342.htm

For a single point, I use a Magpul MS3.

 

[gunny4053]

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.

 

[rojodiablo]

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.

 

[cyphertext]

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.

 

[Autococker07]

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

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....

 

[WU_Who]

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.

 

[BobC357]

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

 

[gchabal]

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

 

[webfarmer]

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

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

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

 

[Rastoff]

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.

 

[Comrad]

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

 

[MichiganScott]

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

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

 

[78Staff]

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.

 

[78Staff]

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.

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.