[badman400]

I've been enjoying shooting all my life and avidly collecting firearms for about 3 years now. I have some pretty nice rifles including the fabulous XCR.

The one thing I am missing is a good sling. I need advice on the best type, easiest to deploy, most comfortable, easy to use, etc.

Maybe some of the military guys or folks with sling experience could weigh in here and give me some pointers on what type to choose.

Three point, two point, single point? Some look kind of complicated. I know that a good sling can aid in shooting accuracy. I would like to hear different points of view on how to properly use a sling to shoot accurately and how to carry the rifle comfortably and also allow for quick deployment of the rifle and quick transition to sidearm.

I do have a few cheap slings, but I just can't seem to get them attached so that they work smoothly for me.

Thanks in advance for any input! 8)

Badman >

 

[Bravo]

For an accuracy sling (traditional two-point), many years ago I started using one from Tactical Intervention. It's the 'best of the breed' in my opinion. Well, in more opinions than just mine - years after I'd been using it, the USMC and Army both decided the TIS sling should be issued to their snipers. If you order one, tell Mike I sent you and hello from me.

For a one-point sling, again, I go back to TIS. I liked Mike's the best.

For a three-point sling, I like the Giles sling. The Giles (the two brothers) used to be instructors out at Gunsite - I'm assuming they're still there, but haven't seen them for years.

The only two-point combat sling I've used is the Vickers. While I have nothing but admiration for Larry, I just can't see what the hoopla is about. John Farnam loves these two-point combat slings, and the XCR is a natural for them - I just can't resonate with them. My statement would be to try them out for yourself...... maybe it's just me.

Choice between the one point and three point for me depends on what I'm doing. The three point secures the muzzle much better than a one point, but the trade off is in clearing areas where you have to slice the pie to the left. The one point is MUCH simpler to transition to weakside shooting than the three point.

When I'm doing something like a 3-gun shoot, I use the 3 point because of the better muzzle control while moving (running). For most everything else, I run the 1 point, because I don't run much LOL!

The traditional 2 point though is a purpose-built accuracy device, the rest are 'holsters for your carbine' - something to keep the carbine accessible while doing other things with your hands. Using a traditional 2 point sling is an essay unto itself, but I can't stress enough how tremendously important it is for precise bullet placement. Slung prone is literally a benchrest, but for a Rifleman. Prone without a sling (assuming no rest) is haphazard at best.

FWIW, Mike might have a new pic up on his website by now. He was running a contest a while back for the best pic of his sling in use. My son won - picture perfect use of a traditional 2 point sling.

 

[ny32182]

As you can see there are several different types. I know nothing about the Highpower type slings that are used to improve accuracy.

If you want one for carrying your rifle at the ready/transitioning to a sidearm, etc, you will want to look at a 3 point or single point sling.

I have a three point from Specter Gear on my 16" AR, and I'm quite happy with the quality; however, it does have a couple of drawbacks. Primarily, it can not be removed easily, and so when I clean the rifle, the separated upper and lower are still attached by the sling, which is kind of inconvienient. Basically, it is *always* in the way unless it is being used, which it isn't the majority of the time. Also, you can't really shoot off your weak side very well with a 3 point. The upside is that the retention is good and the rifle doesn't bounce around much when slung at the ready.

My next 3 point sling will be QD. I'm hoping the next generation XCR stock will have an appropriate mounting point to make this happen.

I also have a single point sling on a 10.5" AR. This is a better "CQB" setup, I would say. You can go to either shoulder easily, and it is QD, so you can drop it easily if you want to. You can transition to sidearm if you want to. The downside is that the rifle will flop around a good bit while slung, and will always require one hand on the gun to keep it stable while slung. I have mine set up with an HK style snap hook stub, and then a QD clip for the main body of the sling. This allows the sling to be detached quickly if desired, and also allows for the entire sling and stub to be removed when not in use.

 

[Aussie Arms]

I have been using an Urban ERT sling. It is adaptable between single, and two points of attachment and it's not a bad price.

Another feature I like is that the main webbing on the shoulder is 2" wide which aids carry comfort, while the attachment points are 1". They have most types of attachment hooks, clips ect and you can taylor it to your needs.

Have a look at their web site at: http://www.urbanertslings.com/siposl.html

or you can see it on my SBR XCR:

The front adapter I use is a MI QD type with center press release.

Hop this helps.

 

[magikbullet]

My sling philosophy is pretty simple.

I don't like single points.

If you're wearing gear, go with a two point. If you're not and want more support, go with a three point.

I have the the vickers vcas 2 pt. and specter gear cqb slings with erb buckle for my 3 pts.

 

[Prizm]

magik- check out the info that Aussie gave you. Those slings are great and they will customize it anyway you like.

 

[magikbullet]

I'll have to look at that one... it looks pretty good.

 

[Martens]

I use Specter Gear 3 points on all of my guns and am very pleased with them. All of mine have quick detach mounts front and rear for cleaning and swapping between guns if need be.

I like the muzzle control when slung and I really like being able to throw the rifle over my shoulder and carry it like a quiver of arrows. This is very handy when it is time to handcuff someone.

 

[magikbullet]

I agree that it's handy martens... although I'm not handcuffing anyone

here's an pic of an old setup of my ptr91 that shows the specter cqb sling pretty well:

 

[badman400]

Wow! Thanks for the info guys!

I was out of town for the weekend and just got the replies. Great tips and info.

Now to go browse that website Aussie! 8)