What type of tactical sling do you use for your AR-15/M-4 and why?

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 11:27:28 -0500

After retiring from active duty, I swore I'd never own an M-4/M-16/AR-15 or similar type weapon ever. Flash forward a couple years and I find myself the proud owner of a 5.56mm AR. I just couldn't pass up the deal given the price. During my active days, I always got issued an M-16A2 with the standard issue sling. I don't have much experience carrying the smaller M-4 type weapons. The question I have is what type of sling do you prefer and why? What is the most comfortable and easy to use? For my purpose, I believe a two-point set up would be better as I will primarily be carrying the weapon while on the 4-wheeler or tractor on the farm (we have an overabundance of coyotes at the moment). Thoughts?

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Jan 6 at 2019 11:30 AM

PO1 H Gene Lawrence — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 11:30:37 -0500

I like and use my one point sling. It allows me a bit more flexibility and quickness of Point and shoot.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jan 6 at 2019 12:23 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 12:23:22 -0500

This one from Viking Tactics. I don't believe it gets better than this.
https://amzn.to/2UF0Kwf

Amazon.com : Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling, Multi-Cam VTAC-MK2-MULTI : Gun Slings : Sports &...

Amazon.com : Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling, Multi-Cam VTAC-MK2-MULTI : Gun Slings : Sports & Outdoors

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2019 12:53 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 12:53:39 -0500

they are a lot of fun to shoot

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jan 6 at 2019 1:35 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 13:35:18 -0500

Parachute cord or dummy cord. Never used a sling in SOF.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 6 at 2019 3:27 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 15:27:51 -0500

In tactical situations, I always liked my single point sling connected by a quick release clip. However, for the environment that you have already described, I would say a three point sling. A two-point works just as well but I always liked the added ability to vary the position of the three points.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2019 4:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 16:05:08 -0500

Don't use a sling, habit from the infantry, we used to take off the sling it made to much noise on patrol. Rifle is always at the ready.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 6 at 2019 5:01 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 17:01:52 -0500

For pop-up and swing shooting, the single point jobs are usually the ticket. For going out to the tree stand, whatever is comfortable. I have a couple different ones for my AR platforms and use them depending.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 6 at 2019 5:26 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 17:26:58 -0500

Specter gear makes a really nice single point and 3 point single depending on your preference. The 1 point has a quick detach for those times you want to just unclip.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2019 6:06 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 18:06:54 -0500

Single point.

Response by MSgt Cayle Harris made Jan 6 at 2019 9:50 PM

MSgt Cayle Harris — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 21:50:44 -0500

Magpul ms3 is good and gives you 2 or 1 point carry options.
Blue Force Gear Padded Vickers sling is very customizable... and padded.
I also like the Northeast Tactical Bungee 1 point sling.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Jan 6 at 2019 10:24 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 22:24:55 -0500

Here is my take on it. I have single point, 2 point and 3 point slings.

A single point sling is for a person who mostly has the weapon in their hands, but needs to maintain control of the weapon, think a swat operator entering a building who then has to cuff a suspect. Single point slings allow the weapon to smack you in the shins or nuts. But they do allow the most freedom of movement.

A two point sling is for a person who needs to keep their weapon immediately available to them, but also needs their hand free for other tasks, Think a soldier standing a guard post or directing traffic. A two point sling tends to restrict movement a bit more than a single point and depending upon how it is set up may make it more difficult to transition to the off shoulder.

A 3 point sling is like a 2 point sling with needless complexity.

For the use you describe riding a 4 wheeler or tractor I think a 2 point sling would be a better option.

But slings aren't that expensive, I've bought single point bungee slings for as little as $15.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 7 at 2019 6:42 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:42:27 -0500

I do not use a sling very often (tactical or shooting). I have tactical sling that came with the Sig Sauer 516 I bought a few years ago. It attaches to the Magpul furniture I have on the rifle. It does the trick but I seldom shoot with it attached.