Most people agree that a sling is a necessity on a defensive rifle, especially one staged for home defense, or if you’re in a military environment, on patrol, or any time you might need to take your hands off the rifle but you still want it accessible.
But not everyone agrees on what type of sling you need. The biggest debate is: single- or two-point sling? Rob Pincus believes that people who are still arguing about this are a bit out of touch. The reality is that today, most of the best rifle slings on the market are convertible.If you have a defensive long gun, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a convertible sling that allows you to go from two-point configuration to single point.
Single- or Two-Point Sling?
But if you have to choose, Rob will always go with single point for any kind of close-quarters, interior-environment, around-the-vehicle defensive long gun, because you want to be able to maneuver the long gun as much as possible, and a two-point sling just doesn’t allow that. A traditional carrying strap set-up would have an attachment point at the front of the rifle, hampering mobility even further.
Modern Rifle Slings
Most convertible rifle slings and most defensive ARs have a lot of options for where you can attach the sling on the rifle and how it adjusts around your body. In single-point configuration, the rifle is much more maneuverable than in two-point. You can move and fight in a lot of different directions. However, the rifle will not be secure against your body, which may be a concern if you’re moving. But with a convertible sling, you can switch it to two-point.
When shopping for rifle slings, look for a convertible sling. It will give you more options.
Right now I run two point because of anatomical/medical reasons. I liked the single point for the reasons you about manipulation. My problem is I’ve had surgery that has altered my vascular anatomy. The single point rides up on my neck and cuts off the carotid artery flow on that side. I get dizzy and faint whenever I allow the full weight of the rifle hang on the sling. When I remove the sling or switch to two point, I don’t have this problem.
What is the brand name of the convertible sling depicted in the video?
Hi Carl. The sling used in the video was a Magpul MS3 Single Sling (Gen 2) attached to the buffer tube end plate loop and QD sling swivel on the hand guard. More information as well as the various attachment options can be found here: https://www.magpul.com/firearms-accessories/slings
Thanks
Deryck-PDN
another great and informative video
How do you mount these slings for left-handers?
Hi Blather. The upcoming left / right side of the rifle references are based on the rifle being shouldered in a shooting position. So using the sling setup in Rob’s video as a reference, he has the rear mount point on a QD end plate and the barrel QD mount on the left side of the hand guard. So for a lefty you would just want to use that same QD end plate mount with the other QD mount on the right side of the hand guard. A couple additional notes. Using the end plate mount is a good option regardless of handedness and allows to get the stock to rest higher on the chest (as apposed to using a stock mounted sling). If the rifle will be used by a family member who is not lefty then the hand guard mounting position can also go directly on the bottom of the hand guard.
Thanks
Deryck-PDN
Very useful video on slings and why you’d use a single-point vs a two/point sling. While I’m reasonably proficient with my handgun, I don’t run/practice with my rifle much at all. That’s something I definitely need to change! Anyway, your comments on the combination sling – and switching between contact points based on your current situation really resonates with me. I’ll be purchasing that combo sling. What sling did you use in this video?
There are many companies that make them but the one used in the video is a MagPul MS3 sling.