Slinging your Black Rifle

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canucklehead

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I've completed a number of searches for posts relating to the use of and/or reviews of different types of slings, and have so far come up empty.

So, can anyone clarify a few things for me?

1. What is the proper way to 'use' a standard AR-15 sling? Specifically, how to carry the rifle for extended periods, and how to transition to use. I know what feels comfy for me, but curious if there is a 'standard' instructed way to use it.

2. The concept of single point and 2 point slings is easy to grasp, however, the 3 point sling is an enigma to me. Is there a 3rd point on the weapon that it attaches? Where would it be?

Anyway, I'm just a civvie, but if I'm gonna be clearing rooms in my basement, I wanna make sure I look cool doing it... :lol: :lol: 8)

What's the consensus on the 'best' sling out there? Please give any and all experiences, as mine are almost zero...

Thanks guys!
 
My understanding is that the 3rd point is located on the sling itself inbetween the two points on the firearm.

This third point slides along the sling and allows you to carry the rifle in a "ready" position when slung and at the same time provides proper/tight shouldering as the sling is always taught (thanks to the sliding 3rd point).

I could be wrong but that is the jist of it and I have made a couple home-made ones :) ...that is what I tried to acheive with them.
 
Don't carry the Sling crossways across your chest if your going down a river.

Guy my dad was with in the army did that and they went over a waterfall rifle got trapped between rocks and held him down... yeah sucky.
 
I guess it depends on what you want to "do" with your AR. For regular range work I would suggest a standard 2-point sling (a FF front tube is also helpful for long-range shooting accuracy).
If you plan on shooting in CIVILIAN "Tactical Rifle" matches, then either a single-point sling, or a 3-point sling is good.
I tried a 3-point sling, but found that it got in the way of operating the rifle. A single-point sling with an HK hook is what I have now, and it works well...both for quick slinging/unslinging of the rifle, plus staying 'out of the way' for shooting and movement. The sling simply stays slung over my right shoulder, out of the way and ready to attach to the rifle when necessary.
 
My wife picked up a 3point From Mil-Arm, for her AR, wish she got me one its an awesome rig and can be worn in any position....I beleive its an Uncle mikes....but not sure since she threw the package out before i could see it.

ya im whipped but how many of your wives carry AR's and Brugger Thometts? :oops: :D
 
Long Range Canuck said:
My wife picked up a 3point From Mil-Arm, for her AR, wish she got me one its an awesome rig and can be worn in any position....I beleive its an Uncle mikes....but not sure since she threw the package out before i could see it.

ya im whipped but how many of your wives carry AR's and Brugger Thometts? :oops: :D
Click to expand...

Is that the one with the HK-style hooks? I got one of those and 'robbed' one of the hooks for my single-point sling.
Yes, the UM 3-point sling is a very well-made sling and worth buying just for the HK hooks.
 
If you really want to increase your LCF, there is a top sling adapter available (or was).

The sling hooks onto the front sight guard and is fastened around the buttstock.

Thus carrying your AR at the low alert, with sling over your shoulder.
 
I'm still trying to find a "wheelchair friendly" sling ... for my SKS though. In the back isn't an option, it catches on the "dossier" (sorry, can't find the English word for the life of me), and up front just isn't anywhere near "comfortable", or safe for that matter from a muzzle direction point of view.
 
greentips said:
Cannot climb ladder with a one point sling......
Click to expand...

Sure you can

1) push it behind you (same idea as if you have to close to go hands on)

2) Get a Blackhawk Weapons catch for your gear - it lock the gun up.

3) * Best Choice IMHO get a Blue Force Gear SOC-C sling (from Farmboy here...) and click it to two point...
 
Having tried all types of slings, this is my general finding...

Three point slings - very stable, versatile. Useful for patrol carry with muzzle pointed down and to the side. But there are a lot of straps that can get caught in your vest/gear, or block access to pouches.

Two point slings - Depending on the type, it can be good or bad. Under the rifle type slings that require you to unsling the weapon before you shoot - those are bad. Newer type slings such as the V-Tac and others, which allow you to shoot with the rifle still slung are a pretty good option. Strongside/weakside transitions are difficult with some two point slings.

One point slings - Least stable of all types of slings. Rifle will naturally be muzzle down, which is great, if you go hands on or transition to pistol. But if it is not secured (ie trap it between pouches, keeping a hand on the rifle at all times, or rolling it inwards and letting the strap trap it in place), then it can be annoying to have a rifle banging against your knees or side as you move about. The advantage is that there is less strap to interfere with pouches or pockets on your vest/shirt. Strongside/weakside transitions are also easiest with one point slings.

One point slings attached to a vest - I've just started using this configuration. I like it because it has all the advantages (and disadvantages) of the one point sling, but you don't have a strap running across your gear/pouches, nor will you have a sling strap cutting into your neck. The downside is that you will always have to wear a vest, or else you will need to carry a separate sling for those times when you take off your gear.

If you are still unsure which is suitable for you, go with KevinB's suggestion of the SOC-C sling - especially the contractor pack. You can modify it to your heart's content until you find the configuration that works best for you.
 
GPMG,

The vest clip method is for pogues. You cannot transition shoulders while using it, you cannot move it out of the way etc. It is very self limiting.
 
You MUST buy whatever looks way cool in the mirror ! :lol:

No, seriously, ensure that you are safe and also the others on the firing line (people next to you when you let go of your rifle's control) :shock:

Cheers,
Barney
 
For CIVILIAN use and gun games like Tactical Rifle matches, I have found the most 'convenient' sling to use with my AR is a Single-Point.
Because the use of a sling is mandatory when moving with the rifle before and after shooting a stage, I experimented with the various types of slings available:-

-"2 point", or the standard issue (for a few centuries) sling. Easy to use, but being "fixed to the rifle", it flops around and gets in the way when running and gunning, and won't stay put on the shoulder unless you're hanging onto the sling at all times.

-"3 point". Looks very cool if somewhat "gendarme-ish", but again, it presents the same 'problems' as the 2-point when playing gun games, with the added problem of the connecting strap from front to rear getting in between your left hand and the rifle when doing mag changes.

-"1 point or Single Point". Works best of all, particularly if connected to the rifle with an HK sling hook. The rifle can be easily disconnected from the sling just prior to shooting the stage, and easily hooked back onto the sling after you've shot the stage and your gun has been declared "clear". The sling itself is completely inobstrusive, and can be worn the entire match...just hook the rifle on and unhook it when you're done to place it in the rack. The rifle is always carried muzzle down and on the firing line after shooting, you drop the muzzle and hook up the rifle. Very safe.

No, I wouldn't want to do a 4 hour patrol with a single point, nor would I relish the thought of a 10 mile route march with my AR dangling in front of me. But that's not likely to happen again any time soon. If I was, I'd do the same as I did when I was "in"...I'd do my utmost to get promoted and carry a pistol or SMG. :lol:

Just my thoughts on the matter. :mrgreen:
 
Do you guys have any pictures or links to various slings. I am not very familiar with one and three point slings.

Thanks,

Steve.
 
KevinB said:
GPMG,

The vest clip method is for pogues. You cannot transition shoulders while using it, you cannot move it out of the way etc. It is very self limiting.
Click to expand...

Hey Kev,

I've got the SOC RV2 sling 8) Transition is no problem at all, and moving out of the way is a bit more limiting, but I can trap it at 3 or 9 o'clock. Can't swing it behind me though.


Pic below shows the different sling configurations. Going clockwise, in the top left pic is the single point sling, attached on a sling plate between the buffer tube and lower. Next is a two point sling - notice how the shooter will have a tough time moving the rifle across to the other shoulder. Bottom right pic is a three point sling. See the extra strap running on the side of the AR that allows rifle to slide around a bit more - also note the angle it is dangling in transition to pistol. Bottom left pic is the rifle attached to the vest directly. Limited to one side, can't swing it behind you, but muzzle down always.

slings.jpg



Finally the pic below shows the SOC RV2 sling I was talking about. Also attached to the vest, but allows transition between weakside and strong side easily.
AR-CIRAS.jpg
 
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