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Posted: 5/17/2008 11:32:26 AM EDT
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Just wondering what thoughts are on this very hot debate. I recently read a review that the single point sling was a short term carry sling, but for anyone having to take long hikes across terrain, a two point sling would be better. Thoughts? |
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Great article from Larry Vickers on sling choice and his reasoning for it www.vickerstactical.com/Tips/carbineSlings.htm |
| My mentality for everything in life is "just make it work". However, after taking two tactical rifle classes I can tell you that I noticed a tremendous difference once I switched slings. I started with more of a carrying sling than anything else, but as far as I understand, it is similar to the 2-point in many ways. I am complete newb and pretty weak, so it didn't take long for exhaustion to set in, while I was toting around that long, smoking silver barrel. I bought a 1-point sling for the next class and although the class was much more intense, my life was made easier with the new sling. I could pop into position faster, move more fluidly while on the run, perform transitions more efficiently, and most importantly, have more control with weakside shooting. I'm not saying I was perfect with it the 1-point, but I truly feel it made a substantial difference in my performance. |
I've been through the whole evolution. Started off using the basic 2-point carry sling. Then in the late 90s I upgraded to a 3 point tactical sling. Much better than a carry sling but I eventually decided I didn't like how having the sling attached at the rear made it difficult to do certain things. I switched to a single point and found that while it wasn't in the way of shooting with the rifle the only thing it was really good for was as a lanyard so that the rifle didn't hit the ground when I transitioned to the pistol. Walking around required holding the rifle in my hands otherwise it was swinging around all over the place. That meant when it was time to to do things like hang fresh targets, move target stands or setup barricades for different stages I had to ground the weapon in order to have both hands free. What good is a sling that won't let me keep the rifle with me at all times? A few years ago I switched back to the old 2-point sling but this time attached to the sides of the weapon at the rear of the handguards and the front of the buttstock. This allows as much freedom as the single point but maintains enough control over the weapon that I can let the rifle hang while doing other tasks. |
+1 to everything above. single point slings are sexy until you do transition drills and hit yourself in the nuts. ar-jedi     |
  I prefer the two point Blue Force Gear Vickers on my lighter weight carbine and the padded Vickers model on my heavier carbine. I've gone though the standard AR slings, IDF style, Specter Gear single point, and Viking Tactics two point slings and settled on the Vickers. |
| For CQB or room clearing a Single point is best. For the average range guy shooting at targets or going hunting the 2 or 3 point would work best. I agree with the others about transitioning with the single and it being rough. But you have a more fluid/free movement available with the single and that is why I prefer it. If you have on body armor and mags on it you shouldn't have an issue with it tagging the family jewels when transitioning. |
It's not that I get hit in the jewels when making the transition, it's after the transition when the hot muzzle whacks me in the kneecap or shin with every step. With a 2 or 3 point I can push the carbine to my off side under my arm and it stays out of the way while moving with the handgun. |
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Do the typical side mounted 2 point slings allow for good good support as a shooting aid? The typical old-style 2 point "carry" slings (mounted on the underside of the HG & stock) transition nicely in to the "hasty sling" for additional support in shooting off-hand....just wondering how the current side-mounted styles (Vickers, VTAC, Rocky Mtn Tactical, etc) work in that regard... --Otter |
The problem with any side mounted sling is that when you use it as a shooting sling it pulls the muzzle to the side instead of down. I've been messing around with a hybrid shooting/tactical sling concept that does work well in both roles. It doesn't have the features of the more expensive 2-point tac slings but it's just a different way of setting up a basic sling so the cost is lower. I'll post pics later. Or maybe just start a new thread on it. I'm interested in hearing what others think of the idea. |
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This thread really needs a link to the site to buy the LaRue sling. LaRue Sling My Opinion Single point slings, even the good ones like the TROY, are best for small firearms (such as submachine guns like the MP5). Three point slings were invented to sell more webbing. They are borderline ridiculous. Any 16" barreled carbine should be on a two point sling like the one I linked to above. If I couldn't get one of those, I would probably have a conventional two point sling (model 1907)on the firearm. When you put on this sling you will understand just how good it is. (this has been an unsolicited endorsement of an excellent product) |
Hoplophile
Brother... that mirrors my experience to a T..... The VCAS or the VTAC or any other decent 2 point sling is the way to go..... |
I feel bad. I'm a retired 19D and understand that clearing a building will be easier with a single point, but for carrying both of my son's and all of my nephew's deployed have gone to modifying the issue sling. Here is what they do, it is on one of my M-4's' A 2 point sling lets you do things like carry it for long distances.  
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Your link is to a VTAC/Larue sling. I dont think there is a Vickers/Larue sling. The Vickers has the slider and adjustment strap more forward and does not grow that long tail as it adjusts. The Vickers is made of heavier duty materials. |
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I forgot to add that my single point is on a SBR. But I also agree their is no absolute for any/everyone. I too had issues with shooting on the move with a 16" hanging. Mine was catching in my knee pads and causing major shooting issues with my handgun. As everyone else has done, I just put what I like to use and if it doesn't apply to you or your application then so be it. Just my opinion that is all. I'm no expert and don't claim to be. I've just seen other guys with the 2 or 3 point sling in a house in a tight spot get hung up and cause major problems because of the lack of mobility in the tight quarters. |
Created a new thread at www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=19&t=379050&page=1 |
That's not really a problem problem for me  I did find it bouncing all over the place at first, so when I dropped it for transitions I try to drop it to my left side and tuck it slightly with my arm so I could still run. Like everything else, it's based on the individual.
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Hoplophile - That's what I thought would happen (pulling the barrel sideways). I, for one, am interested in seeing you pics/idea. Here is a good place, or maybe the DIY Sling thread tacked to the top of this forum. --Otter EDITED: Just saw your "REECE" sling concept post. AWESOME! |
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No other way to get incontact with ya. DevL your message box is full!
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I've found that the adjustable two point is the way to go for 90% of applications. The differences between the Vickers, VTAC and Gear Sector 2P are all minor - the similarities outweigh the differences. Having tried all three, I give a slight personal preference to the Vickers, as I don't care for the tail of the VTAC or Gear Sector. Any of these three is a good choice. I very much like the Gear Sector single point sling, but only if using a short barreled upper. The shorter barrel mitigates some of the disadvantages of the single point, namely the barrel flopping around. A single point has some utility for mounted operations, as there is less sling material to get hung up when entering and exiting the vehicle, and you are not spending as much time carrying the weapon. However, I wouldn't want to spend a whole day carrying around a weapon with a single point. The lack of support and the tendency of the weapon to move around while dangling gets old fast, and going "hands free" to take care of other business (i.e. map reading, eating, etc) is easier with a two point. If you are going to spend much time walking around, then a two point is the way to go. My two cents. |
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I've used a single point quite a bit over the past few years, and there's a pretty easy fix for the dangling problem - if you have a forward grip on your rifle, just loop the sling around it. That will hold the rifle pretty snug like a 2 point. It isn't the perfect fix, but it works ok. I've also found single points with quick releases preferable for low profile PSD stuff, especially when you're getting in and out of vehicles all the time. That said, I'm currently using a Vickers sling. If nothing else, it's A LOT more comfortable when its necessary to carry a rifle for a long time. |
| It looks like most of the 2-point slings that mount to the handguards need a rail. I don't want to put any rails on mine. Is mounting the front of the sling to a side adapter at the FSB going to result in a more clumsy rifle, if I also install a sling mount at the front of the buttstock? I'm a left so I worry about the forward assist interfering with the sling. Or would it be better to just attach it to the top rear of my collapsible buttstock and use the front side swivel (on a 16" carbine?) |
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