Opinions On Single Point Slings
BY Herschel Smith
10 years ago
Single-points have been popular for a long time, and I’ve been a fan. I ran one for a long time. I think the biggest selling point for single-point slings, for most people, is the cool-guy CDI (chicks dig it) factor. Guys see Chris Costa, or Travis Haley, or Kyle Defoor running them, and want one. The reality is, I HATE single-point slings. Every time I drop the gun, whether to transition to my sidearm (doesn’t happen nearly as often as a lot of training courses make it seem like does), or to go hands-on with someone, the f****** rifle nails me in the nuts.
Kyle Lamb, American Rifleman, December 2014:
A general-purpose AR just isn’t complete without a sling. If you plan to carry a rifle or stabilize it while shooting, you must have a sling. I use a quick-adjust, two-point type, the VTAC sling. It allows the user to carry the carbine muzzle down as well as quickly cinch the rifle tight to his chest or loosen it for shooting or transitioning. The sling can be slightly tightened while building a shooting position to greatly increase stability. If you choose to use a single-point or three-point sling you will lose the ability to also have the built-in shooting aid. The single-point lets the rifle dangle, merely there in case you have to transition to your side arm. I find that less-secure configuration may also allow it to crack you in the family jewels or on the knees, depending on the adjustment.
My son Daniel and the rest of his company threw away or modified the mandated MC-issue three point slings to make them whatever the Marine wanted (even braiding 550 cord to make their own slings), in most cases a single point sling. At the time they were preparing for Fallujah and a lot of CQB and room clearing, and needed the ability to raise the weapon and engage the sight picture via a “reflex sight” very quickly and efficiently. Up and down and side to side and use of hands was very important.
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On November 28, 2014 at 10:40 am, Blake said:
Herschel, for the average Joe, it seems to me that a sling that is set up for anything other than carrying a rifle on the shoulder would be more hindrance than help. I know a well setup sling and someone who knows how to use it is great, but for someone who doesn’t have the time or wherewithal to practice, I think it would be a hindrance.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
full disclosure: I’m a Garand and 1911 guy who practices with both regularly and is working on use of the sling.
On November 28, 2014 at 4:51 pm, DirtyMick said:
Herschel,
I think it depends on your situation. In a CQB environment i would roll with a single point sling (or some guys just put a 550 cord loop to their buttstock and D-Ring it to their plate carrier). If I’m patrolling I would definitely go with an adjustable 2 point.