[Lobotomy Boy]

Like everything else in the world of ARs, there is a bewildering number of choices available for a sling--single-point, double-point, three-point. Which is best, and why? Suggestions on brands? Places to buy?

Thanks.

[Jeff White]

Slings, like most other accessories have different uses. How do you intend to use the sling? A simple carry strap to transport the weapon? Are you going to sling up for a steady position? Going to carry the weapon in a ready position for a long time? Going to train for and conduct CQB?

Jeff

[Bartholomew Roberts]

It kind of depends on what types of use you have in mind.

3-point lets you use it to assist accuracy like a normal sling but also allows for transitions to weakside shoulder and retains rifle if you let go of it during transition. It controls the muzzle well and keeps the rifle close; but some people find all the nylon gets hung up on load bearing gear or other stuff.

2-point - there are basically two kinds, your normal sling and the high-speed bungee type slings like the VTAC. These are usually mounted to a sling swivel at the back of the forearm near the receiver in front and to a single-point sling mount at the rear of the receiver in the back. They are worn around the neck. I don't have any experience with this rig; but it is popular with the high-speed crowd.

Single-point - these mount to a point on the rear of the stock (not so great) or the rear of the receiver (better). They are simple and don't get hung up on stuff and they also allow transitions. Downside is the gun is only attached at one point so it can bounce around and swing. You also cannot use it to support your shooting like a traditional sling. I run a Specter Gear MOUT on my carbine.

Finally, there are the "all-in-one" slings like those made by Blue Force that convert to just about every one of the slings mentioned above.

So far in my own personal use, I am not a big fan of three-points. I like either a 1907 leather sling with the normal AR15 sling swivel (no side mounts) or a single-point sling and I just bungee the muzzle if I need to "stow" it for a bit.

[MechAg94]

I just got a 3-point sling. So far it appears to be pretty good for carrying the rifle around. I don't have much load bearing gear so I guess I'll check that in the future.
A normal sling can be cumbersome if you are using longer magazines. However, regular slings are cheap and easy to get so try one of those first. See what you like.

[Lobotomy Boy]

My main use for the gun will be predator hunting, along with some smaller hogs. I'll carry it long distances while wearing heavy clothes. I'm inclined towards the standard 1907-type sling. I've tried other types on normal sporting rifles and found them to be more of a nuisance than a help. But those rifles did not have collapsible stocks like my AR.

Thanks for the advice. This is my first AR, and I'm a little overwhelmed by all these options.

[Dave Markowitz]

If it's just going to be used as a carrying strap, there's nothing wrong with the GI "silent sling," which run about $5 at a fun show.

I have an Israeli patrol sling on my AR-15, which allows the rifle to hang at waste level and be raised quickly to firing position. I got mine from DSG Arms in TX.

[TheDutchman]

Viking Tactics Sling
Great sling and simple to use, developed by a EX SF Person.


http://www.vikingtactics.com/ForSale/vtac_sling1.htm

[Rob96]

I just installed an Uncle Mike's 3 pt. sling. Haven't really got to mess with it too much, but like how it works.

[The Real Hawkeye]

If the sling is for predator hunting, maybe a nice leather shooting sling.

[Lobotomy Boy]

A leather shooting sling might be the way to go. I'm likely going to be carrying it on snow shoes for considerable distances. Anything I should watch for regarding the collapsable stock?

[Mute]

If you get a Blue Force Gear SOC-C, it can be used in 1, 2 or 3 point configuration. That way you can try all three and decide which works best for you.

[modifiedbrowning]

If you decide on a 3 point you can always make your own.
Ar15 sling (http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=19&t=252462)
Black-Rifles (http://www.black-rifles.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=63)

[Redlg155]

Take a peek at the YHM sling mount for the carbine stock.
http://yankeehill.bizland.com/store/media/YHM-9757.jpg


This way you can mount and tension your sling to your preference without having the sling loosen or tighten when you extend or retract your stock.
http://yankeehillmachine.com/store/slings.html

15 bucks isn't a bad price.

Good Shooting
Red

[Lobotomy Boy]

I've been studying the 3-point slings and they look like they could be fairly useful in an active situation. They look like they keep the gun pretty secure while moving around. Is that the case?

[Mute]

Yes. A properly configured 3 point sling should allow the rifle to hand tightly against the body without swinging around too much, yet very easy to mount to your shoulder. One downside of a 3-point is that it's ususally configured to prevent switching from strong side to weak side. That is one reason we're seeing alot of people switching over to 1-point slings.

[226]

This one (3pt) works for me.

Eagle Tactical Sling (http://rstacticalgear.com/pd_tactical_sling_m4.cfm)

[Hkmp5sd]

I recently acquired a Chalker Sling and love it. It's nice when you have to carry your AR (or other long gun) for long periods of time. It is similar to the slings used on the SG-1 TV series for their P90 SMGs.
http://www.tacticaledge.com/ProductImages/blkhwk/tactnylon/slings/70DC00_FRONT.jpg
http://www.tacticaledge.com/ProductImages/blkhwk/tactnylon/slings/70DC01.jpg

http://www.tacticaledge.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=196

[MagnumCaliber357]

http://www.slingsonly.com/

No BS
Fair prices
Nice people to deal with overall
HIGHLY recomended:D

[Lobotomy Boy]

Thanks 357. Good site.

[Master Blaster]

http://dsgarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=275

I have two of these they seem to be a pretty good sling and comfortable to carry.

[Lobotomy Boy]

I ordered the three-point sling from RS Tactical. It was on the expensive side, but appeared to have a very well thought out and secure mounting system.

Now to order some magazines.