Any Suggestions on Slings for an AR?

Rangerrich99 · August 28, 2015, 02:53 PM

Okay here's the deal: I have a Windham Weaponry AR, nothing special, just a solid rifle, that I've decided is my general purpose HD/brush gun/plinker. So I need a sling. Rather than go through the process of buying several slings before finding one I liked, as I did with my other AR, I thought I'd ask you guys what slings you like and use.

Also, please take a few words to explain why you like your choices.

Note: I'm not interested in a 'tactical' sling, per se, just something that does the job and will be very durable. I plan on doing some hunting for coyotes/feral pigs and will probably end up doing a lot of hiking over rough terrain.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

themalicious0ne · August 28, 2015, 03:15 PM

I did a lot of research before buying mine. I went with the TIS quick cuff. May be more tactical than you were thinking, but it is a two point, really simple and durrable, really thick and can help stabilize shooting offhand. It doesn't have any padding or anything like that, but with a 1.5" thickness, I do find it pretty comfortable.

noonesshowmonkey · August 28, 2015, 04:33 PM

Vickers Combat Applications Sling

Viking Tacts / Blue Force VTAC

Booney Packer

Magpul MS series

This is a short list of probably the best slings out there, especially AR-15s.

marine6680 · August 29, 2015, 12:35 AM

I have a magpul ms1... Just a simple two point sling like many traditional types, but with a quick adjust feature.

Very handy and usable sling, without all the techno doodads.

It can accept quick detach parts for those who have the mounting option on their rifle.

oneloudvous · August 29, 2015, 06:09 AM

I use a Magpul ms4 gen 2 sling on my daniel defense ar15. Has quick disconnects and can switch from 1 to 2 point very easily. I mainly chose it because I wasn't sure if I wanted a 1 or 2 point and with the ms4 you get both.

Mobuck · August 29, 2015, 07:15 AM

"I'm not interested in a 'tactical' sling, per se, just something that does the job and will be very durable."

Most simple answer is 4' of 1" or 1.25" nylon web and a couple of buckles.
I actually prefer the "cross chest" carry for carbines. Makes it easier to ride an ATV and/or do something with your hands w/o having to lay the rifle down or have it fall of your shoulder. I carry an AR nearly every day from mid-November to mid-March so I put a lot of miles on my rifle(s) and equipment. There are so many options in the sling market that it can be very confusing. Even seeing one in the package doesn't tell you how it will fit you or how it will feel after walking 4-5 miles with it on your shoulder.

rickyrick · August 29, 2015, 11:14 AM

I'd not use a sling on a brush, HD rifle. The sling could hang on a door knob, dresser knob, counter top, or other stuff in your gun safe. Purely brush or outdoor gun a sling would be fine. If you have any intentions of using a rifle indoors, ditch the sling.

A sling is also a point that someone could gain a good grip on your rifle

marine6680 · August 29, 2015, 04:49 PM

I can carry my rifle in a low ready'ish hang with my MS1. Very handy method of carry.

Polinese · August 29, 2015, 10:19 PM

I use VTAC slings on all my rifles bolt guns included.

Fishbed77 · August 30, 2015, 02:24 PM

In my experience, the VCAS (Vickers Combat Applications Sling) is the best AR sling you can buy.

I'd rate the VTAC a very close second (it's basically the same design), but the VCAS feels a bit sturdier and, when set up similarly, doesn't have the annoying dangling strap.

FYI - here's a decent comparison of the two:

http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=1585

Rangerrich99 · August 30, 2015, 04:31 PM

Thanks for all the replies gents. Looks like I have some researching to do now. I'll let you know what I end up doing in a few weeks.

Theohazard · August 31, 2015, 02:13 AM

The sling you use matters a lot less than how you actually attach it to your rifle. If you're looking for a more modern across-the-chest two-point setup, make sure to attach each side of the sling closer to the top of the rifle than to the side or the bottom. Too many people attach their two-point slings too low on the rifle, and then the rifle hangs oddly when it's carried across the chest. And it doesn't help that the QD points on many stocks are way too low on the stock.

Road_Clam · August 31, 2015, 05:05 AM

I have the Magpul MS3 , excellent sling for either traditional 2 point usage, or easily used as a single point. I like the versatility as I use my MS3 on both my AR-15 and my AK47.

kcub · August 31, 2015, 07:54 AM

+1 Blue force

Regular Joe · September 1, 2015, 05:33 PM

I thought pretty hard about what I wanted. Once I had the idea, it was easy to put together:

Cross chest, or it moves out of the way for different options. That's the Magpul forend with M-lock rail sections. The section at front 6 o'clock is for the light that I only mount when I want it there.
BTW- I'm left handed, so this is totally sensible to me.

Bartholomew Roberts · September 1, 2015, 05:51 PM

I've used the first generation VTAC, the VCAS, the Magpuls MS2, MS3 and MS4 slings amongst others. The Magpul MS3 is probably my favorite of all of them. The front snap makes for an easier transition between single and two-point slings and combined with the Magpul rail hook, it also hangs better than a side mounted QD attachment.

agtman · September 4, 2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

I have the Magpul MS3 , excellent sling for either traditional 2 point usage, or easily used as a single point.

All but one of my ARs wear Magpul's MS3. Great sling. Holds the gun well and is easy to tighten, loosen, and change up from 2-pt to single-pt.

Rangerrich99 · September 26, 2015, 01:31 PM

Okay guys, I've decided on the Magpul MS3, and I can get a bit of a deal on a Gen 2 right now. Is that still a good sling? Or should I keep looking for a Gen 3?

Theohazard · September 26, 2015, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerrich99

kay guys, I've decided on the Magpul MS3, and I can get a bit of a deal on a Gen 2 right now. Is that still a good sling? Or should I keep looking for a Gen 3?

I'm pretty sure Magpul doesn't make a Gen 3 sling yet, so are you referring to the Gen 2 versus the Gen 1?

If so, in my opinion you should skip the Gen 1 and keep looking for a Gen 2. The Gen 1 uses an annoying loop adjustment, whereas the Gen 2 has a slider that's much easier to use. Before the upgrade to the Gen 2 design, I didn't like the Magpul slings. But now that they have the Gen 2, I really like them.

HALL,AUSTIN · September 29, 2015, 01:17 PM

I'd recommend a sling for HD, kinda hard to get shot with a gun that's attached to you.

tirod · October 1, 2015, 09:29 AM

Sling, not so much. The Infantry School taught in my day to remove it. The less I had it the less it was needed - all it did was snag on things like brush or vehicle interiors, and qualifying it moved the POI they way I was taught to shoot prone.

Slings are great to stabilize position shooters with free floated rifles, or those patrolling the street and working with detainees who need searching. For all out combat, tho, they are a detriment. Even the silent sling creates noise when the buckles hit the composite stocks, and having another strap around your torso means if the weapon is grabbed you get pulled off balance. In Riot training you are taught to let things go - your team mate will take down the offender. Same with home defense, if you let the intruder get that close it was a mistake. Better to let go and transition to your pistol. You should have been shooting anyway.

A sling will definitely hamper your motions using the weapon as an impact device - slings were always removed in Riot and Bayonet training. It's bad enough wearing the field suspenders, LBV, or plate chest carrier and it's load, adding a sling to snag around pockets is no improvement.

My Fudd guns have slings - but they don't have magazines or pistol grips, either. Those features can't be ignored when considering the big picture.

rmh3481 · October 2, 2015, 04:18 AM

I used to prefer the three point. This one is my new favorite. Watch the video and see how this is a modified two point. Long enough for over a coat and belly!
http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=26

Ibmikey · October 2, 2015, 05:03 AM

I have a bunch of GI issue $5 buck slings that work just fine to carry the rifle in and out of the woods.

noonesshowmonkey · October 2, 2015, 10:16 AM

Having just handled a buddy's AR with a Savvy Sniper sling, I would add that to the list. Great piece of kit.

zukiphile · October 2, 2015, 12:21 PM

Quote:

I have a bunch of GI issue $5 buck slings that work just fine to carry the rifle in and out of the woods.

Five bucks? Big spender. I have cheap gun show slings, $2 for one inch width and $2.50 for 1 and 1/4 inch. I use them as support in all three positions. Tough to improve on them in terms of benefit per dollar spent.

August 28, 2015, 02:53 PM	#1
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Any Suggestions on Slings for an AR? Okay here's the deal: I have a Windham Weaponry AR, nothing special, just a solid rifle, that I've decided is my general purpose HD/brush gun/plinker. So I need a sling. Rather than go through the process of buying several slings before finding one I liked, as I did with my other AR, I thought I'd ask you guys what slings you like and use. Also, please take a few words to explain why you like your choices. Note: I'm not interested in a 'tactical' sling, per se, just something that does the job and will be very durable. I plan on doing some hunting for coyotes/feral pigs and will probably end up doing a lot of hiking over rough terrain. Thanks in advance for your replies. Last edited by Rangerrich99; August 28, 2015 at 03:06 PM.

August 29, 2015, 11:14 AM	#7
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	I'd not use a sling on a brush, HD rifle. The sling could hang on a door knob, dresser knob, counter top, or other stuff in your gun safe. Purely brush or outdoor gun a sling would be fine. If you have any intentions of using a rifle indoors, ditch the sling. A sling is also a point that someone could gain a good grip on your rifle __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

August 31, 2015, 02:13 AM	#12
Theohazard Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2012 Location: Western PA Posts: 3,829	The sling you use matters a lot less than how you actually attach it to your rifle. If you're looking for a more modern across-the-chest two-point setup, make sure to attach each side of the sling closer to the top of the rifle than to the side or the bottom. Too many people attach their two-point slings too low on the rifle, and then the rifle hangs oddly when it's carried across the chest. And it doesn't help that the QD points on many stocks are way too low on the stock. __________________ 0331: "Accuracy by volume."

August 31, 2015, 05:05 AM	#13
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I have the Magpul MS3 , excellent sling for either traditional 2 point usage, or easily used as a single point. I like the versatility as I use my MS3 on both my AR-15 and my AK47. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

August 28, 2015, 03:15 PM	#2
themalicious0ne Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2012 Location: Oconomowoc, WI Posts: 345	I did a lot of research before buying mine. I went with the TIS quick cuff. May be more tactical than you were thinking, but it is a two point, really simple and durrable, really thick and can help stabilize shooting offhand. It doesn't have any padding or anything like that, but with a 1.5" thickness, I do find it pretty comfortable.

August 28, 2015, 04:33 PM	#3
noonesshowmonkey Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2014 Posts: 329	Vickers Combat Applications Sling Viking Tacts / Blue Force VTAC Booney Packer Magpul MS series This is a short list of probably the best slings out there, especially AR-15s.

August 29, 2015, 12:35 AM	#4
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I have a magpul ms1... Just a simple two point sling like many traditional types, but with a quick adjust feature. Very handy and usable sling, without all the techno doodads. It can accept quick detach parts for those who have the mounting option on their rifle.

August 29, 2015, 06:09 AM	#5
oneloudvous Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL Posts: 233	I use a Magpul ms4 gen 2 sling on my daniel defense ar15. Has quick disconnects and can switch from 1 to 2 point very easily. I mainly chose it because I wasn't sure if I wanted a 1 or 2 point and with the ms4 you get both.

August 29, 2015, 07:15 AM	#6
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"I'm not interested in a 'tactical' sling, per se, just something that does the job and will be very durable." Most simple answer is 4' of 1" or 1.25" nylon web and a couple of buckles. I actually prefer the "cross chest" carry for carbines. Makes it easier to ride an ATV and/or do something with your hands w/o having to lay the rifle down or have it fall of your shoulder. I carry an AR nearly every day from mid-November to mid-March so I put a lot of miles on my rifle(s) and equipment. There are so many options in the sling market that it can be very confusing. Even seeing one in the package doesn't tell you how it will fit you or how it will feel after walking 4-5 miles with it on your shoulder.

August 29, 2015, 04:49 PM	#8
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I can carry my rifle in a low ready'ish hang with my MS1. Very handy method of carry.

August 29, 2015, 10:19 PM	#9
Polinese Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2010 Posts: 949	I use VTAC slings on all my rifles bolt guns included.

August 30, 2015, 02:24 PM	#10
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	In my experience, the VCAS (Vickers Combat Applications Sling) is the best AR sling you can buy. I'd rate the VTAC a very close second (it's basically the same design), but the VCAS feels a bit sturdier and, when set up similarly, doesn't have the annoying dangling strap. FYI - here's a decent comparison of the two: http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=1585

August 30, 2015, 04:31 PM	#11
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Thanks for all the replies gents. Looks like I have some researching to do now. I'll let you know what I end up doing in a few weeks.

August 31, 2015, 07:54 AM	#14
kcub Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,318	+1 Blue force

September 1, 2015, 05:33 PM	#15
Regular Joe Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 255	I thought pretty hard about what I wanted. Once I had the idea, it was easy to put together: Cross chest, or it moves out of the way for different options. That's the Magpul forend with M-lock rail sections. The section at front 6 o'clock is for the light that I only mount when I want it there. BTW- I'm left handed, so this is totally sensible to me.

September 1, 2015, 05:51 PM	#16
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	I've used the first generation VTAC, the VCAS, the Magpuls MS2, MS3 and MS4 slings amongst others. The Magpul MS3 is probably my favorite of all of them. The front snap makes for an easier transition between single and two-point slings and combined with the Magpul rail hook, it also hangs better than a side mounted QD attachment.

September 26, 2015, 01:31 PM	#18
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Okay guys, I've decided on the Magpul MS3, and I can get a bit of a deal on a Gen 2 right now. Is that still a good sling? Or should I keep looking for a Gen 3?

September 29, 2015, 01:17 PM	#20
HALL,AUSTIN Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2011 Location: asheville north carolina Posts: 556	I'd recommend a sling for HD, kinda hard to get shot with a gun that's attached to you.

October 1, 2015, 09:29 AM	#21
tirod Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 1,672	Sling, not so much. The Infantry School taught in my day to remove it. The less I had it the less it was needed - all it did was snag on things like brush or vehicle interiors, and qualifying it moved the POI they way I was taught to shoot prone. Slings are great to stabilize position shooters with free floated rifles, or those patrolling the street and working with detainees who need searching. For all out combat, tho, they are a detriment. Even the silent sling creates noise when the buckles hit the composite stocks, and having another strap around your torso means if the weapon is grabbed you get pulled off balance. In Riot training you are taught to let things go - your team mate will take down the offender. Same with home defense, if you let the intruder get that close it was a mistake. Better to let go and transition to your pistol. You should have been shooting anyway. A sling will definitely hamper your motions using the weapon as an impact device - slings were always removed in Riot and Bayonet training. It's bad enough wearing the field suspenders, LBV, or plate chest carrier and it's load, adding a sling to snag around pockets is no improvement. My Fudd guns have slings - but they don't have magazines or pistol grips, either. Those features can't be ignored when considering the big picture.

October 2, 2015, 04:18 AM	#22
rmh3481 Member Join Date: August 25, 2015 Location: Western Pa Posts: 53	I used to prefer the three point. This one is my new favorite. Watch the video and see how this is a modified two point. Long enough for over a coat and belly! http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=26

October 2, 2015, 05:03 AM	#23
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I have a bunch of GI issue $5 buck slings that work just fine to carry the rifle in and out of the woods.

October 2, 2015, 10:16 AM	#24
noonesshowmonkey Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2014 Posts: 329	Having just handled a buddy's AR with a Savvy Sniper sling, I would add that to the list. Great piece of kit.