Single-Point -v- Two-Point Slings

[Aubrey]

With the recent introduction of some new two-point slings, I am interested in exploring the pros and cons of both the single-point styles (such as the excellent Wilderness Tactical Single-Point® type that I am currently using) as well as the two-point styles FOR DIFFERENT USAGES.

I know this is somewhat of a personal-preference and perhaps a bit of a controversial issue. I believe that differing missions/requirements may dictate different equipment.

Please be specific in your recommendations for both slings and mounts.

I am particularly interested in specifically what mounts the two-point guys are running and where they are placed on the carbine. Pics are most helpful.

[Voodoochild]

I have an ASP single poin sling and it is ok A bit annoying at times. It would be nice if it came with padding like the one TROY has. Over all it is a pretty good sling never used any Two point slings and yes it is a touchy topic with some swearing by one over the other.

[Bonk2029]

I use a SpecterGear single-point.

Advantages:
- much easier to do off-side transitions
- easy to get out of, particularly with a QD buckle
- doesn't interfere with gear on the side of your rifle - bolt catch, Redi-Mag, lights on the 9:00 rails

Disadvantages:
- best with lighter weapons, as there's alot of weight hanging on a relatively narrow area. I tried one with my Mossberg 590, which fully loaded weighs two pounds and change more than my M4gery, and really noticed the weight
- there can be a bit of a "hinge" effect, with the carbine swinging around more. 3-point slings tend to lock down a carbine a little better, and you'll know where it is and where it'll go when you let go of it

Just my subjective opinions.

[Pat_Rogers]

Aubrey- this would have been more appropriate in support gear rather than Technical Discussions....

[Aubrey]

Sorry Pat. I'm for moving it if a Mod/Adm can. Still finding my way around the new digs...

[Harv]

I've had a lot of slings over the years.
I used the 3 pt sling on my Issued A2 and thought it was great compared to the issued black nylon 2 pt sling. For patrolling is was great as it put the weapon in the front at the ready. For hands free you could swing it over to your backside for Important tasks..like eating my morning SOS on the hood of a Humvee....

The downside was a lot of straps that always seemed to get hung up on the interior of vehicles and on my gear.

Then the Single Point slings hit the scene. I tried one and liked it. it solved the strap management issues and kept the receiver controls free of a sling strap.
With a little technique I learned form this really Smart Ex Marine/Cop, it worked well. kept the carbine in place and kept it from bouncing during transition.

I ran that sling for close to 3 years, and now a new 2Pt sling (Vickers) rolled out and peaked my interest. I really like it so far. it gives great control like a 3 point sling, but seems to be more like a single point sling when it comes to simplicity and lack of extra straps.


I'm going to run it in a class in about 3 weeks and give it a good workout and see how I like it.
Heres a pic of it.

[mark5pt56]

From what I've seen, the 3 points get hung up on everything, gear, vehicles, etc. They get in the way when the shooter tries to manipulate the weapon controls.

The single point bungee(ZM) is ok, alot of bounce with it though. Very quick to get on and off, no quick release buckle.

I haven't tried the ASP sling. It looks extremely versitile with the different types of attachment options. The Blackwater Gear sling is nearly the same, but only has a HK type hook on it.

I made a sling up that is adjustable, has a HK style hook on each end. I can hook both into the Deiter plate, or run one up to the front If I need to cross sling. I was thinking of making another, incorporating a quick release buckle and allowing the front hook to snap into the rear one to allow for a one snap removal if both are attached at the rear plate, and incorporate swivel hooks instead-no binding.

The single point really shine for close quarters and especially vehicle ops. Allows the user while in and out of vehicles to quickly release while on board and have better manipulation on ball outs and after it cools off, snap it back up. This is user optional of course. -works great if you are, let's say the right side passenger and have a "contact right" and have to get across the seat and out the left.

The Vickers sling looks good. I would like to see it modified to do what I described on how I want to modify mine. Maybe allow for different attachment methods.

I've even seen a simple strap tied to a single hook-works rather good.

Mark

[Forest]

Harv,
Are you going to let us in on this trick you learned from Pat?

Thanks,
Forest

[Erick Gelhaus]

Well, my thoughts ....

Over the years I've run 1, 2 & 3 point slings. This is to include my time in the Sand Box, as a Sqd Ldr in an infantry heavy wpns / anti-armor unit. Realize though, that some of this is a sample of One.

3 point - an extra strap to ctach on things and, as a lefty it runs the risks of blocking the ejection port. I did not experience that, but enough have expressed concern with this for it to be an issue.

Single point - this was a very good idea / design. Running solely in a mounted role and dismounting briefly or when doing raids, this was a very good system. For dismounted patrolling, the longer we walked, the less comfortable it was. Throwing comfort out, it was quick to engage with/from. I've used this LE wise and in the Close In role I really like it; BUT there is zero option for a supported weapon if the Threat is at a distance.

2 Point - While in the Sand Box, I had a Wilderness Single Point Sling & adapters. Operationally, the adapters worked very well. Once I installed these, the Single Point was a viable option for dismounted ops by connecting one end to an adapter. Plus, it worked on the FOB, under Fobbit rules.

I am awaiting arrival of the BFG 2 point sling. But at this point, my view - very limited as it is - is to use a sling that will run in multiple roles. The decision being based on the situation, as the end user sees it.

All have their pros & their cons. At this point, I'm leaning towards a Single Point with adapters or an adjustable Two Point.

Erick

[mcgrubbs]

Aubrey,

I would recommend you try a pack from Ashley at Blue Force Gear. I think it would allow you to experiment and find what you like. You would need to buy a few attachment points such as a TD-PR4 or a front sight sling swivel, etc... but those could probably be re-sold later on the internet sales forums, if needed.

I have been using a BF sling kit for a few months now and am very happy with it.