Shotgun Slings

[dak0ta]

Hi,

I was trying to do some research regarding slings for shotguns, but most of the information came up for the AR15 platform. My question then is there a different approach to slings when it comes to shotguns? I own a Mossberg 500 and I was thinking of getting a 2-pt sling. I just want to get a USGI OD 1.25" sling but I came across more advanced slings that have quick adjust. Also the attachment points for slings are numerous. I was thinking of the traditional magazine cap swivel stud and a rear stud 2" from the end of the butt stock. But then came up sling plates and ones that can be at the receiver/butt stock junction or ones that have velcro straps that secure the rear sling to the butt stock. I also came across attachment points at the receiver where the trigger housing pin is.

So many options.. any recommendations?

 

[shockwave]

any recommendations

Yes. I originally mounted a 2-pt sling to the stock receiver and mag-tube attachment points and found that the forward point was problematic. Depending on how the sling binds up, with the 18.5 in barrel there was an occasional risk of actually shooting it.

I used a barrel clamp as a light mount, and the clamp comes with an attachment point, so I was able to move the forward point back a couple of inches, and that solved the problem. Unless you're looking at specialized applications, simple is good here.

 

[dak0ta]

I think a USGI m16 style sling would suit my purpose? Now I hear they come in cotton or nylon, any advantage over the other? Also, if I'm shooting slugs, I want to be able to use the sling like I do with a rifle and stabilize my arm by putting my arm through and wrapping the sling around it.

 

[unwise11]

i dont like shotgun slings.
theyre wierd.

 

[dak0ta]

you mean slings designed for shotguns or just slings on shotguns?

 

[oneounceload]

Unless you are using the sling to carry the gun while your hands are full of decoys or deer stand equipment, you may want to rethink the application of one, especially for anything like HD/SD - it will throw off your swing, possibly get snagged, etc........generally a bad idea

 

[shockwave]

generally a bad idea

Not really. Over at the Box o' Truth, he makes the point that a sling is to the defensive shotgun what a holster is to a pistol. There aren't any downsides. At least, my home is furnished sparsely. There are no things to snag or get caught in the sling. Mine is strung fairly taught - enough to hold on the shoulder and loose enough to allow dynamic transition. It helps with retention, and no matter what, I'll never have to put it down. It stays with me throughout the duration.

People who argue against a sling for the home shotgun seem to me to be people repeating phrases and slogans they've read on the Internet, but haven't practiced or thought through the actual mechanics involved (not necessarily saying that's you, oneounceload). Like "the handgun is used to fight your way to the long gun" and "beware the man with one gun," it's really just reflexive opining and not very persuasive.

 

[MAKster]

Whether or not a sling will get in the way and become a negative is debatable, but I cannot see any positive for a sling in a home defense scenario. A sling or holster is used so you can carry the gun with your hands free. You aren't going to do marches in your home with a shotgun so anytime it comes into action you are going to be holding it with two hands ready to fire.

 

[oneounceload]

You have no doorknobs as you go through a doorway? No corners on the arms of chairs, etc?

Sorry, Box O Truth is NOT the be-all end all - but you do what you want - it has ZERO use in a HD situation because your gun needs to be in your hands during a situation or it doesn't if things are clear

 

[rbernie]

People who argue against a sling for the home shotgun seem to me to be people repeating phrases and slogans they've read on the Internet, but haven't practiced or thought through the actual mechanics involved

That's a pretty rude assertion.

I have spent a great deal of time practicing HD/SD with a shotgun, to include running through a variety of scenarios within my house. My planning includes addressing both securing the sleeping quarters and consolidating my children and my wife.

For my uses and in my practices, a sling provides zero benefit.

 

[Fuego]

Back in 'Nam we used slings on our shotguns. But I can see no use for a sling on a HD shotgun.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

All of my shotguns have attachement points for a sling - it's just that sometimes I don't have the sling attached to the shotgun.

When I took my shotgun training class a sling was required equipment. This keeps you from tossing your shotgun on the ground when you transition to your pistol.

I do not have a sling attached to my Home Defense shotgun while it is in my house - it would most likely get in the way and is not necessary for this role.

My shotguns all have attachement points on the underside of the buttstock for the rear of the sling; those without an extended magazine have a magazine cap swivel for the front; those with an extended magazine have one of Candewman's really cool light mount/sling swivel attachement points.

 

[Kernel]

Count me in the pro sling group. I wouldn't want a shotgun that couldn't accept a sling, though I might attach, or remove it, as desired.

 

[arizona98tj]

All of my shotguns have attachement points for a sling - it's just that sometimes I don't have the sling attached to the shotgun.

When I took my shotgun training class a sling was required equipment. This keeps you from tossing your shotgun on the ground when you transition to your pistol.

I do not have a sling attached to my Home Defense shotgun while it is in my house - it would most likely get in the way and is not necessary for this role.

My shotguns all have attachement points on the underside of the buttstock for the rear of the sling; those without an extended magazine have a magazine cap swivel for the front; those with an extended magazine have one of Candewman's really cool light mount/sling swivel attachement points.

Nicely said....and I agree 100%. I too use a sling on my FNH SLP and my Benelli when I hit the training grounds....yes, it is mandatory where I go. And truthfully, holding it all day during a skill builder would get kind of old. I also use them on my AR-15s. And they are put on when needed and removed when not. (I know, I know, what a concept!)

 

[Fuego]

Walking around the house in your pajamas with a loaded shotgun in your hands does not require a sling.

 

[chrome_austex]

Cotton(or leather) vs Nylon... You probably want the Nylon as it should be less sensitive to rot/decay if it gets wet. Not a big deal tho.

I have a GI nylon OD slings on my AR and my Rem 700. I compete in highpower competition with the AR and the GI sling, and yes, my HD shotgun is next in line for one more of the same. (my spare leather 1913 sling adds too much weight for my tastes)

If I were doing 3gun or something I might look into one of the tacticool slings.

 

[dak0ta]

Alright thanks for the comments guys, but my application wasn't really HD. It was more for backpacking in the mountains, duck and deer hunting. Although I guess you could argue that the sling can get caught up on branches and stuff and scare a deer away etc.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Sling + Home Defense = No

Sling + Field/Outdoor Use = Yes

For backpacking, hunting, etc. I like the Eberlestock backpacks that integrate a scabbard into the pack.

 

[oldbanjo]

I have a sling on my Mossberg 500, it's really for outside the house, you are right about it catching a door knob. I like a sling on a shotgun in 1969 I got lost in a swamp and had to carry a heavy Browning for hours. The next day I added a sling and I love it. I have three shotguns with slings.

 

[dak0ta]

Would milsurp GI slings work on a Mossberg 500? Will they stand up to the weather of salt spray, mud, rain, branches etc.?

 

[multigauge]

It's hard to beat a Claw sling mounted upside down for the African carry if you are deer hunting.