I have done the search thing and cant really find what I'm looking for. Just was wondering what type of sling you guys prefer, single, two point, three point? Thanks in advance.
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I have done the search thing and cant really find what I'm looking for. Just was wondering what type of sling you guys prefer, single, two point, three point? Thanks in advance.
These days I prefer single
VB- How about your reasoning for your opinion? No, I'm not trying to sound like an as*hole:D, just interested in the topic since I'm in the buying mode for some for upcoming classes. Advantages/disadvantages to single/double in your experience?
"Best" sling like "best" scope, "best" whatever is relative.
THIS thread has some good thoughts on the subject.
As an amateur I use a two-point Vickers.
I am new and I only have one "tactical" rifle but it has a padded VCAS on it and I love it. I wasn't sold on the sling for retention concept when I first got into this but now I really like it and it helps when transitioning to a pistol.
Take my advice with a grain of salt since I don't have hardly any experience but I do know that the VCAS is very well made and works just like it does in the videos.
I stand corrected for using "best". I guess I am trying to get a "prefered" type of sling and why, "In your opinion" what works for which situation. Just a newbie trying to soak up the info available from you that have experience.
Honestly CRH, you're just going to have to get out there and shoot and see which one you like the best. There's so many things about shooting and firearms that are a personal decision. What works for me and what I like could be totally different from what you need/like.
I like an adjustable two point ala VCAS. For me it works very well for the majority of the applications I'll use it for. It does the other small percentage OK.
You've just gotta find what you like.
I prefer no sling, but if I'm wearing body armor I go with a wolf hook. When I'm dicking around at the range sometimes I'll use a two point for ease of slinging the carbine across my back while reloading or what not. I'm a minimalist -extra sh!t gets in the way.
I started out with a single point sling, but quickly found that when transitioning to pistol your rifle tends to quickly meet your cahones. I use a 2-point now. The way I see it (my own personal opinion based on a few classes with each type):
Single point:
Pros- keeps the weapon in front, good position for patrol on foot, left/right shoulder transition easier.
Cons- bad for in/out of vehicles, cannot sling for ladder climbs, hits you in the balls during secondary transition, drags the ground when in kneeling cover.
2-point:
Pros- more stability, drops to the side instead of between your legs, can be slung on the users back for ladder climbing or tasks while kneeling (providing medical aid, kneeling cover, etc).
Cons- cannot transition left/right shoulder as easily.
Just my $0.02
I'm running a single point on my entry rifle (MS2 with the ASAP Plate). I really enjoy shooting with this setup and have switched most of my rifles to it.
On my patrol rifle I run the Vickers two point. It's a great sling as well and it allows me to balance out the midlength and UBR very nicely. If I'm on the perimeter it's a good sling for supporting different shooting positions.
The MS2 does have the capability of converting to a two point but it is not as flexible as the Vickers as a two point.
The "best" sling is what works for the applications. Those are my favorite two.
I use my guns in a world where I have to do things with with my hands- throw grenades, hold the 1 man when a frag goes in, breach doors with various methods from mechanical to explosive, search living and dead dudes, climb ladders, rappel, fast-rope, perform forst aid, search small spaces, run, jump, dodge, kneel, slide, crash, fall, shoot, shoot from the support side, and gunfight.
A properly adjusted two-point lets me do all those things with a minimum of effort. All of those things can also be done with a single-point, but if you are using a single point, you will have to get a weapon catch of some flavor to do half of the things on my list. Since I will have to carry a breaching shotgun or hoolie about 1/2 the time, I would rather not try to fit too many things under the weapon catch. They also tend to hit dirt before most two-points, though it is still a risk with two-points. I find that two-points are more secure when moving after a transition, though it won't make much difference when you are being shot at. I don't like a single point on anything bigger than about a 12" barrel.
I prefer the BFG VCAS, but I use the slider differently than intended. My default sling setting allows me to transition to either shoulder to loosening the sling is not a need for me. Instead, I use the slider to tighten the sling so I can keep the weapon under better control when breaching or slinging for anything other than a transition.
Also a properly setup two-point will transition from shoulder to shoulder faster than a one-point. How important that is to you is your own decision, and I don't put a whole lot of need on it, but it definately is not a detriment.
Things like wolf-hooks and the like are fine for putzing around, but unless you shoot pistol with your other side (or don't have a pistol) you block access to the pistol (which is not good). To perform other tasks such as in my list above, you will need a weapon catch, but it will be a pain in the ass to actually use due to the way the gun will be stuck to the body. Most cannot transition from shoulder to shoulder. They suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck when using the more effective breaching tools such as a ram or rabbit.
Three-points are just a mess. I would go into more depth, but I could go on for hours about those damn things. Avoid.
So I would recommend a two-point for anything or a single point with a weapon catch if you intend on keeping the gun attached to you while you do other stuff. If you just want to walk around the range without dragging the rifle by the barrel, almost any sling option will fit your need.
katar's questions need answering. But, for all but limited applications like a subgun the three-point can pretty well be ignored. Without those answers, I find the two-point to be the best, quick, no details answer for almost everyone.
Failure, thanks for the input, that is what I'm looking for.
As far as rifle specs go:
BCM M4, 16 in, looking for a sling for local tactical carbine matches, 2 and 3 gun matches.
Thanks for all you guys' responses
We got stuck with three points for a while.
I have very fond memories of those things. The perplexed expressions on my entire platoon's face when they were first issued will cause random laughter in me for the rest of my days. It took forever for people to get used to fitting them. It looked like a three stooges episode at first, with them caught up all over gear, wrapped around necks, stuck in helmets, and so on.
That will always be a source of amusement for me.
I wouldn't go buy one today, unless I had a reason to stand around for 12 hours just holding a rifle. They sure were nice for that. Once we had to do other things, they were replaced very quickly with other designs as allowed. They just plain get in the way, when it comes down to it.
I like the two points, personally, but I've recently ordered that fancy Magpul MS2 and their ASAP plate for it. Will I like it? I couldn't tell you. I hope so, but it isn't that critical anymore for me. I've never even seen one in person, but I caught an OK deal on one on Ebay, and I thought I'd try it out.
Single point for me on my work rifle. On patrol I have a holster on my hip and when decked out in my SWAT gear I have a drop holster on my thigh. If I need to transition, I swing the rifle behind me while transitioning. The holsters generally keep the rifle from swinging back to the front while being dynamic.
I enjoy the simplicity of the single point and ability to transition easily. It can be a little clunky sometimes such as climbing a ladder but it's not a deal breaker.
Agree 100%.
Also depends on the users application of the rifle. In a carbine class or in certain positions in CQB work a single point is a good option as you tend to be able to keep control over your rifle with at least one hand, most of the time. However as mentioned in F2S post above, if you often need your 2 hands for other purposes, then a two point has been better for myself.
I also run a Vickers, adjusted very much the same as F2S, however I do have it set up to be convertible to a single point. I would say that for the most part I run my sling in a 2 point set up about 90% of the time even though CQB would be considered my bread and butter.
Started with a couple of non padded BFG VCAS 2 point slings, then tried the VTAC padded slings (Good sling, but that tail got stuck on too much other kit, two control adjustment points VS one on the VCAS , the sling is too slender and not as beefy as the VCAS, and basically not as efficient, for me.), then settled for the padded BFG VCAS two point slings for my ARs.
That sounds very similar to what I do. I can't see your pics due to my work filter, but Abraxas has seen the setup so if he says that they are similar I believe him. I am about 3,000 miles from my personal guns right now and am stuck with an abortion of a sling (essentially a thin single-point) to work with here so I can't get a decent pic for you.
I inadvertantly stumbled upon the setup with my first tactical 2-point (a VTAC I won) in an effort to get the sling out of my cheek-weld. At the time I wasn't a big proponent of shoulder transitions, but when I realized that I could do it so easily I started to do it a lot more and got much better at it. I never really thought about it, but winning that sling made a big impact on my skill progression. Anyway- I know lots of people that have started to move their rear sling connection point to the outside of the stock, and I haven't heard any negatives that affect my use.
One thing is the front-end though. The closer toward the muzzle you attach the sling the more stability you will have of the slung gun if you move it to your back. I just don't like having it out there for the rest of the time I am using the gun. Instead I just wind up tightening the sling on my front if I need to get both hands on something.
It isn't that I dislike the VTAC, it's simply that I prefer the VCAS. I have played with the new VTACs with the tail retention and I think that it is a step in the right direction. I don't like the Alice pack adjuster, but it does its job.Quote:
As for the VTAC vs. VCAS I prefer the VTAC. Is is more adjustable so I can sinch it down tigher and loosen it up more than the VCAS. The adjuster on the VTAC is also much quicker, smoother to operate and easier to operate. Many people say they do not like the VTAC because of its "tail". The new models have a velcro closure which eliminates the tail. The VTAC can also be used to assist shooting positions if time and situation permits.
I don't use the sling as a marksmanship aid, which requires a more forward position on the HG for real benefit, which may have a little to do with my preferences.
I actually do not use a sling in competition, as they are unnecessary and may cause a competitive disadvantage since stages may have you ditching your rifle/shotty to continue with another weapon. Taking the sling off costs time, and is a big problem if you get caught when trying to escape the sling. I have never heard of a match that had the shooter transition weapons and retain the original. This is usually due to the 180 rule. While I don't like it and wish it was different, I understand why they do it.Quote:
looking for a sling for local tactical carbine matches, 2 and 3 gun matches