Getting a sling is a good idea for anyone who owns an AR-15. It is one of the most basic yet useful accessories you can get. Carrying your rifle for an extended period of time without any support can cause arm pain. Also, if you’re running or changing position, a sling can make life with your AR-15 a lot easier.
Although a sling is a simple accessory, you don’t want to overlook the added convenience it can offer. Here’s a rundown of the best AR-15 slings on the market today:
- STI 2 Point Rifle Sling: A durable sling made of solid, heavy-duty tube nylon webbing that can endure 4,000 pounds of force for less than $30.
- S2Delta 2 Point Rifle Sling: A tough, quick-adjustable sling made of 2-inch military-spec webbing.
- Blue Force Padded Vickers Combat Applications Sling: A sling made of DuPont nylon webbing; a top pick among law enforcement officers.
- Accmor 2 Point Extra Long Sling: A multipurpose sling for less than $13; adjustable up to 78.7 inches in length for those extra tall shooters.
- Viking Tactics (VTAC) Wide (Padded) Sling: A more comfortable version of the original VTAC sling with closed-foam padding.
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Why should I get an AR-15 sling?
While a basic AR-15 isn’t heavy, a sling still helps lighten the load for long hikes or just makes things easier going to and from the range.
A sling is an essential piece of equipment if you’re spending a few hours out hunting or having an all-day shooting at the range.
For marksmanship, slings are great tools when used right to give you an extra point of contact between you and the rifle. More contact makes for a more steady rifle and translates to more hits on target.
Sling Types
There are three types of gun slings. These are the single-point, two-point, and three-point. The name basically defines them.
Single-Point Gun Slings
The name “single-point” refers to the fact that it only has one link point to attach to your rifle. This makes it is easy to attach and detach.
You got a bit more freedom in your movement with this type of sling. You can let your hands down with a weapon close using this type of sling. Moreover, switching the rifle from one shoulder to the other is more manageable, making it popular among military and law enforcement personnel.
However, with a single-point sling, you may feel less secure. The gun hangs low and if you drop the rifle it tends to swing right into your special place. That can hurt. A lot.
For long walks, single-point slings also kind of suck since they don’t spread the weight well and start to dig into your shoulders.
2 Point Gun Slings
The two-point sling is the most well-known and frequently used AR-15 gun sling. A two-point sling for your rifle is a must-have if you’re into stability and flexibility.
Attaching at the front and rear of the rifle, two-point slings give you a lot of options in how to carry, how to shoot, and how to use the rifle.
How you carry the rifle with a two-point sing also matters but is more situational than the sling itself.
- American carry: This is when you sling the weapon behind the non-firing shoulder with the muzzle up.
- European carry: This is when the muzzle is up and slung around the front of the shoulder.
- African carry: This is when the sling on your shoulder, then tossed over the back with the muzzle down.
3 Point Gun Slings
Three-point connections make up the three-point sling. Attach the sling to the front and back of the rifle, then wrap it around the body with an extra loop. The advantage of three-point slings is that they keep the rifle close to the user — even when it is not held.
The disadvantage of these slings is how difficult they are to set up and use. They could get tangled in the gun’s gear and obstruct its operation. It can also obstruct reloads.
This type of sling is a little more challenging to use. Moreover, switching between weapons is difficult.
What rifle sling works best for your setup?
Generally speaking, just get a 2-point sling.
3-point slings don’t have enough value to make up for how annoying they are to use.
Single-point slings are fine for lots of movement in CQB but lack any other usefulness.
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Sling mounts & attachment
There are many attachment types for slings. Some of the main ones are:
- Quick detach (QD): Flush cups are another name for QD mounts. These use a small button with four ball bearings to attach and disengage. Additionally, QD is ideal for transferring a sling from one rifle to another. With a single push of a button, you can detach the sling from the connector.
- Sling swivel stud: This type of sling mount isn’t easy to install on your rifle. You have to drill a hole to fit the swivel mounts. Sling swivel studs are usually made of carbon and steel and work with synthetic or wood stocks.
- HK snap hooks: The HK Snap Hook is one of the most popular and adaptable sling mounts. Any loop or fastener will hook onto this. To use it, just simply open the snap hook. Then hook it on to something before the catch releases.
What to look for in a sling?
When selecting a sling for your AR-15, it is important to ask yourself several questions:
- Is it comfortable to wear?: A good sling is easy to wear and does not irritate the user. Look for a sling that provides extra comfort even after extended use. Padded slings are an example of a sling designed to provide users with added comfort.
- Is it easy to use?: Ensure that you can use your weapon effectively with the sling. Your weapon should be able to rest freely around your body, but not get in the way. Look for a sling that is simple to adjust. If you get a sling that is difficult to adjust, it will be tricky to use in many scenarios. Choose a sling with the most maneuverability and adjustability.
- Is it going to last?: Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing the right sling. You want to get a sling that is durable and made to last. Heavy MIL-SPEC webbing nylon slings are tough and sturdy. In contrast, leather won’t last for many years without a lot of TLC.
Also, one last thing: if you can answer yes to the first three questions above, then the price of that sling is worthwhile.
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Best AR-15 Slings
Let’s look at this comparison table for a quick glance at your best options for AR-15 gun slings. Later on, we’ll go over the specifics as well as the pros and cons of each one.
Sling | Type | Material | Special Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
STI 2 Point Rifle Sling | Two-Point | Nylon | Tube webbing, 4,000-pound tested, weatherproof | $25-$30 |
S2 2 Point Delta Rifle Sling | Single-Point/Two-Point | Nylon | Adjustable 2-inch MIL-SPEC webbing | $25-$45 |
Blue Force Gear Padded Vickers Combat Application Sling (VCAS) | Two-Point | Nylon | Patented quick adjuster, DuPont nylon-made, extra cushion | $40-$62 |
Accmor 2 Point Extra Long Rifle Sling | Two-Point | Nylon | 78.7-inch max length, multipurpose | $9-$13 |
Viking Tactics VTAC Wide (Padded) Sling | Two-Point | Nylon | With closed-cell foam for added comfort | $40-$60 |
STI 2 Point Rifle Sling
This two-point rifle sling has a unique feature that makes it one of the best rifle slings available. This sling is tested for adverse weather conditions. In addition, it can withstand a force of 4,000 pounds. The sling is made of premium-resistant nylon and a two-layered “Box X” heavy stitching.
The STI 2 Point Rifle Sling is comfortable to wear and adjustable from 30″ to 55″ in length. It has a simple smart design that comes in different options such as black, brown, and green colors. You can hook it to any 1.25-inch attachment hardware, such as HK snap hooks or QD swivels.
Because of its fast-adjust “on-the-fly feature,” you can snap into a firing position immediately. You may also adjust it to your particular fit without having to fully detach the sling.
A good sling is a reduced entanglement when you’re about to make adjustments. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use sling, the STI 2 Point Rifle Sling could be the best option for you. It has a variety of uses. Plus it’s reasonably priced.
- Tested to withstand a weight of 4000 pounds
- Easy to attach and comfortable to wear
- Made of durable, high-quality materials
- Not suitable for larger people
S2Delta 2 Point Sling
The S2Delta 2 Point Sling has a wide strap and is made of durable woven military spec webbing. It means that it can endure the toughest conditions and can last for years in the field. The sling is a two-point sling, but you can also make it a single-point sling because of its D-ring design.
Mounting the sling is also simple. You can use a push-button swivel, conventional latch attachment snap hook (C.L.A.S.H.) hooks, or fast-detach hooks to attach it.
This nylon sling comes with some useful features that make it comfortable and simple to use. The S2 Delta will suit larger men, thanks to the extra sling length adjustment of 41 to 60 inches. However, it might be too long for shorter men.
There are two key adjustments: a 2-inch webbing and a 1-inch fast adjust. You can adjust the sling using one hand, making it efficient to use.
Black, green, and coyote are the three color options available. A lot of folks find this sling quite handy. The S2 Delta Rifle Sling fits comfortably on your shoulder and is designed to last at a reasonable cost.
- Built with an adjustable 2-inch military-spec webbing
- Has a quick-adjust feature
- Can be used as a single or two-point sling
- Made in the United States
- Built with premium materials and made to last
- Length might be too long for short people
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Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Combat Application Sling (VCAS)
Blue Force Gear is well known for its high-standard tactical gear worldwide. It is the top choice for law enforcement agencies and U.S. service agencies. Moreover, it produces quality products and is known for the versatility of its designs.
Larry Vickers, a former Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD)-Delta member, developed this sling. With his years of experience in special operations, he saw the need for a durable tactical sling for military use. As a result, Vickers produced the Vickers Sling, which is now among the best AR-15 slings on the market.
This two-point sling is made of DuPont nylon material and has padding to keep you comfortable. In addition, the extra cushion comes in handy when carrying the rifle around the range for longer periods of time. The design is highly flexible, and it’s built to last.
The padding conforms to your body and distributes the weight of your rifle, thus making it comfortable to use. It’s also simple to adjust and tighten. The adjustment tab creates a big difference for stabilization. Additionally, you can also customize your sling with its custom sling builder.
Overall, the sling build is robust, and the brand is trusted by many combat communities.
- Used and trusted by the law enforcement community
- Made of DuPont quality nylon
- Customizable design
- Provides extra comfort for longer applications
- Expensive
Accmor 2 Point Extra Long Rifle Sling
The Accmor Rifle Sling can be the finest alternative if you’re seeking a high-quality sling at a low price. It’s not always easy to locate a rifle attachment that gives you the best deal for only $13. The Accmor 2 point sling is made of high-density nylon. In addition, it is compact, sturdy, and ensures a long product lifespan. It is well-made and easy to use.
You can adjust the sling to any length you like. For instance, you can shorten it to 47 inches. With its extra-long feature, adjustable up to 78.7 inches in length, this sling can fit larger men.
This sling is primarily not designed to support the AR rifle. Nevertheless, you can still use it for your firearms because of its versatility. Moreover, you can also use it as a camera sling or a safety rope. Additionally, it has a large metal hook that fits most rifle attachment points. They’re simple to connect and easy to remove.
The buckles and adjusters are made from the highest quality polymer. Thus, it provides strength, elasticity, and good wear resistance.
With all these fantastic features, it’s a major content for the top selection for AR-15 slings. Consider the value you may get for less than $13 with this sling. The package includes two Accmor Rifle Slings in your choice of color when you order it on Amazon. Overall, this incredible sling is one of the best AR-15 slings available.
- Made from superior materials
- Very affordable
- Highly-adjustable (78.7 inches maximum and 47 inches minimum)
- Not designed exclusively for the AR-15
Viking Tactics VTAC Wide Padded Sling
Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling splendidly constructed this piece of gear. It’s built with similar features of its predecessor, but with extra padding for added comfort. Carrying heavy rifles is easy with this sling. It also hangs comfortably on your shoulder. In addition, the Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling is ideal to use for long walks, climbing, and all-day shooting.
The sling’s shoulder strap is wide enough to enhance comfort when wearing your weapon. Additionally, the sling is made of resin-treated nylon. This sling is also easy to customize to any suitable length. Thanks to its rubberized pull tab, it allows fast and easy adjustment from any angle.
Viking Tactics offers a variety of attachment options, but these are bought separately. Moreover, the stitching on the slings is thick and secure throughout. Viking Tactics is one of the best AR 15 sling option for the special forces and law enforcement communities. To sum it up, the Viking Tactics is a warrior-tested sling that has proven reliability and durability.
- Easy to adjust to any desirable length
- Comes with a comfortable padding
- Has a rubberized pull tab
- Good to use for heavy rifles
- A bit on the expensive side
- Mounting hardware are purchased separately
Conclusion
On the whole, the Accmor 2 Point Extra Long Rifle Sling is your best option for a value sling. For less than $13, you can get a high-quality multi-purpose sling that adjusts up to 78.7 inches.
If you’re willing to pay a little more for a sling that offers extra comfort, I recommend the Blue Force Gear Padded Vickers Combat Application Sling (VCAS). It is ideal for carrying heavy rifles, effectively giving support for a long period.
I hope this guide helps you find the best sling for your AR-15. When you’re looking to upgrade your rifle accessories, check out our articles on The 4 Best AR-15 Carry Handle and The 4 Best AR-15 Front Sights. If you also got a shotgun and need a sling for that one, read our 4 Best Tactical Shotgun Slings.
What’s your top pick? Tell us in the comment section below.
Vickers blue force 2 point is my go to sling, tried others and this is the best for me