Gear Talk - Rifle Slings

Sir Knight

After using several different types of slings - single point, two point and even three point rifle slings - and talking with operators who've used them while deployed, I've found a few slings that work well for our applications.  This is not a product review, because the use of rifle slings is completely personal - a sling system either works for you or it doesn't.  I'll share what we use and why, and maybe show you a few innovations you hadn't seen before. 

My personal choice for a sling is a two-point sling.  I use the VTAC sling made by Viking Tactical.  It comes in every color you want, padded or not padded.  The quick adjustment, which is just behind your back, makes it very easy to loosen or tighten the sling.  As a matter of fact, you can suck it up hard against your chest with the simple pull of one hand, allowing you to bend over to render aid or do any other chores without having to take the weapon off. 

VTAC padded sling

VTAC sling - pull to tighten

Pull to loosen

Maid Elizabeth replaced the original pulls with these para-cord pulls
(skulls optional)

Master Hand  Grenade prefers a single-point sling.  For whatever reason, I feel trapped in a single-point sling, however they do have other advantages.  The ability to shoot right or left handed is lightening fast with a single-point sling - not so with a double point sling.  However, you can't pull a single point sling tight against your chest.  The sling must be removed or the rifle slung backwards across your back.  Enter Master Hand Grenades new sling that may be a good compromise between both.  The Magpul MS4 sling. 

Magpul MS4 sling

Pull to adjust

MS4 sling in single-point mode

And in double point mode

The MS4 sling works best when used exclusively with quick disconnect (QD) sling swivels (which are now standard, and sold everywhere).  By the use of a clever little metal bracket, this sling is able to be a single-point or a two point sling.  Master Hand Grenade loves this sling, however we have not yet had a chance to test it at the range.  The adjustments on the MS4 sling are easy to use (I still prefer the VTAC sling).

Clever adapter

Close-up of the MS4 adapter

The quick disconnect sling attachments are so popular that most major AR-15 stock manufacturers are installing sockets for the QD slings into their stocks.  And to put a sling on the hand guards is just as simple and they can be placed absolutely anywhere.  By installing a rear plate at the butt stock, with a socket built into it, any single point sling with a QD can be hooked right into that rifle instantly. 

Quick disconnects

Factory installed QD socket on Magpul stock
(can be removed and installed on the other side)

QD socket installed on Magpul MOE handguards

QD socket on rear plate

Single point sling attached to rear plate

QD socket installed on Key Mod handguards

Ultimately, you will have to research and try different slings to determine what would meet your needs.  Viking Tactical has instructional videos on their website and there are several Youtube reviews of the Magpul MS4. 

Whichever sling system you decide to use, I am completely sold on the quick disconnect sockets and swivels.  There are times when a sling is just impractical or gets in the way.  With the QD setup, the sling can be removed instantly and shoved into a pack or a pocket.

Master Hand Grenade and I have found what works for us - We recommend both the VTAC and MS4 slings very highly.  You can't go wrong with either of them.