AR Sling

I like the Vicking Tactics (VTAC). Definitely padded for your use-case. You can cinch it down tight, front or back, for carry/travel, use it to stabilize standing shots, etc.

That would be my choice (and is) as well.

I will be massively different and suggest the VCAS.
https://www.blueforcegear.com/vickers-sling

Yeah, still a two point adjustable so kidding on "massive difference." Mostly 6 of one, but I like the VCAS because no unlocking, it just slides when you grab the tail, and less tangly IME with the thick webbing all the way down.

They make a padded one but short of carrying an MG all day, I think the webbing is very, very nice and wide enough it's not needed. They used to have a sling builder but at least still offer many options in attachment as well to match your gun
https://www.blueforcegear.com/slings/weapon-slings

VTAC or the Blue Force Gear LAV is the way to go.

brewer12345 said:

shoobe, carrying all day is the deal...

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In case I wrote that confusingly, I have hiked miles and miles up and down and through brush with guns, only very heavy and bulky things (e.g. 14# of machine gun) get tiring without padding, IMO.

Also, depends what else you are wearing. Almost anything will dig into the neck after a while if you are wearing a pack as well, for example. Hence the various setups like the Kifaru Gunbearer for really long-range work.

Another vote for the BFG VCAS, I've got 3 of them. Another good option that I've been playing with is this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK1XW4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Simple, light, with the same functionality as the VCAS. I've got 2 of them also on bolt action hunting rifles and they work as advertised.

Padded Vs. Non Padded, I prefer non-padded, especially on a hunting rifle that I'll carry in the fall/winter with heavy clothing. I have one padded VCAS on an FAL with an optic. If I was hiking that far, I'd go with a scabbard on my pack, and have. Long, long distance, hands free is the way to go IMHO.

Whichever two point adjustable Magpul is on sale. There isn't a huge difference between most of the popular styles today.

Oh, and I forgot to say WHY not padded is preferred: A little bulk, snag, etc. Mostly: Even the best hygrophobic foam will get unpleasant in cold weather. It gets stiff, so is less comfortable than plain webbing. Even good foam, if it gets wet, will get soaked between the foam and the outside fabric shell.

I've had padded slings whose pads were so frozen they would hardly bend when hung from my shoulder. Solid block of ice.

So: depending on your environment (if it never freezes: drive on!) use non-padded when you can, and consider slip/velcro-on pads so you can remove it if it becomes an issue, have at least some sling.

For years and years I used a VTAC.

Then I tried a Ferro Concepts Slingster. I like it a little bit more. The release is easier to find, easier to grab and faces the other way.

It won’t replace the VTAC’s on the other AR’s, but if I get anymore rifles the sling that goes on them will probably be the Slingster.

I have a two point Magpul MS1 that I like.

-Jeff

I have used the MS1 sling but just keep going back to this https://www.amazon.com/AmmoGarand-S...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I don't need anything fancy. I have 5 of these, $35 total.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/9...roduct-shipped-today-product-description-link

These are a narrower strap and do a much better job of staying on my shoulder than the older, wider military versions.

brewer12345 said:

I am putting together an AR that I am legal to hunt with in my state. I have a couple of tags this fall that I would like to have the chance to fill while I am predominantly hunting other things (these tags are kind of long shots). I would like to put a sling on the rifle that would make it easy to haul it along in case I run into a bear/deer while I am shotgun hunting for grouse, ducks, jacks, etc. Any suggestions?

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If you are going to be carrying a primary (shotgun for grouse) and the rifle is secondary, you want it to be secure and out of the way, and for it to carry comfortably.


You want a biathlon type sling.

Tab Gear makes a good one.

So does Grovtech. I have the Grovtech and it is fantastic.

brewer12345 said:

The VTAC looks like just the thing. Will pick up a padded one as we usually cover a lot of miles on these hunts.

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I have and use 2 point slings. I don't have the VTAC. It is a great 2 point sling.

You are going to be walking all day with this thing, and you are going to be carrying another gun that you will be shooting other game with.

You don't want a 2 point for that. It will be more awkward and uncomfortable, and the weight will all be on one shoulder.

2 points are fantastic when you need to keep a rifle ready at all times. I use them sometimes.

They are less ideal when carrying a rifle very long distances.

Trust me, get a biathlon sling.

Yup. I use the generic two point as well. I do a lot of walking at my hunting land up and down hill for hours at time will using an axe or hand saw to fall small trees. It works. What more can someone ask for.

brewer12345 said:

I am putting together an AR that I am legal to hunt with in my state. I have a couple of tags this fall that I would like to have the chance to fill while I am predominantly hunting other things (these tags are kind of long shots). I would like to put a sling on the rifle that would make it easy to haul it along in case I run into a bear/deer while I am shotgun hunting for grouse, ducks, jacks, etc. Any suggestions?

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Make sure this is legal in your State. It isn't in some.

brewer12345 said:

What is legal? Hunting multiple species? Quite legal

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In IL you can not hunt deer with a Rifle or a pistol with less then a 4" barrel so if you are say hunting for Deer and want to bring a AR with you for coyotes you cant and you can not carry your carry gun unless its Legal to use to hunt Deer Turkey is the same way
some States have some bad laws on the books

Archery hunters can't carry a firearm of any kind even if you have a Conceal carry permit in Illinois same thing for Turkey hunting

In both MN and WI, an individual cannot carry a rifle and a shotgun loaded with birdshot or buckshot while hunting either small game or big game. You are either hunting one or the other. (It says nothing about taking small game with a deer rifle during deer season, oddly enough.) One can, however, when the seasons are concurrent, hunt with another individual who has the other type of weapon. It is legal to carry a shotgun with slugs as well as a muzzleloader with single projectile in both MN and WI while deer/bear hunting.
You also cannot carry birdshot or buckshot while big game hunting with a shotgun, nor slugs when small game/waterfowl hunting. Turkey are considered big game, but have their own shot size restrictions. Not sure on the CCW thing in MN, used to be you couldn't carry a pistol for Archery; WI it still is. MN has pistol caliber restrictions, but no barrel length restrictions. WI requires the barrel to be 5.5" or longer, but can be of any centerfire caliber. And the laws get weirder and more restrictive the further east you go.