A Guide to AR15 Slings

When it comes to an AR15, there are countless ways to customize the rifle to make it better suit your needs. From adding a foregrip to replacing the trigger, bolt carrier group, and more, each upgrade helps the firearm perform better so that you hit your shots. One upgrade that is ubiquitous in the military but doesn’t see as much use by civilians is a gun sling. While many people use a sling for bolt-action rifles and hunting shotguns, others without a professional background with firearms forego this extremely beneficial upgrade. Thankfully, this guide is here to help correct this oversight, as training with and using an AR15 sling properly is one of the most significant ways to improve your accuracy and handling with the rifle. There are a variety of gun sling styles and options to choose from, so if you’re interested in taking the next step in customizing your AR15, here is what you should know.

What Are the Different Types of Rifle Slings?

While all slings consist of a strap that goes around your body to help you brace the rifle, there are several styles that each operate differently. These styles are known as single-point, two-point, and three-point slings, and the names refer to how many attachment points the sling uses on the rifle. Generally, more attachment points means more stability and reduced mobility. There are also quick detach (QD) slings, but any of the main types can also function as a QD sling. Here is a deeper dive into each type:

• Single-Point Sling: This is the most basic type of rifle sling that connects both ends of the strap at a single point on the rifle, which is usually toward the rear. This allows the rifle to hang easily below the shooter, allowing for the most mobility. This is an excellent option for tactical use that requires you to move around a lot, as you can switch the AR15 sling between shoulders and interact with the world around you easily.
• Two-Point Sling: This is the middle ground of rifle slings, as it offers a compromise between stability and mobility. With a connection point at the front and rear of the firearm, you can stabilize your rifle for longer periods with a two-point sling. This is the most traditional style of sling, as it’s what is commonly used on bolt-action rifles and shotguns. While it doesn’t offer as much mobility as a single-point sling, you can still move around with a two-point sling fairly quickly. However, it does make shifting your weapon harder, so it isn’t recommended for tight quarters.
• Three-Point Sling: This type of AR15 sling prioritizes stability and reliability over everything else. The three connection points allow the sling to create a loop around your body, securing the rifle to you and allowing you to keep it steady for long periods. This ensures the weapon is close to you and ready even when you’re not actively holding it with your hands. It is a more complex style that can be difficult to get used to without proper training, but it is an excellent option for rifles with limited mounting options. This also works to your benefit if you’re shooting from an area where you can’t brace the rifle on a wall, table, or other surface.
• QD Sling: While not one of the main types of rifle slings itself, you’ll often see many gun slings advertised as QDM, also known as using quick detach mounts. These are specialized connection points that allow you to quickly remove the sling for your rifle, which can be crucial in a combat situation. Any of the different slings can also be a QD sling.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Rifle Sling?

Now that you know about the different types of rifle slings, you might be wondering what the exact benefits are and why a simple strap can transform how you shoot and operate a rifle. Thankfully, this is a fairly easy question to answer. The reason a sling is so beneficial is because it turns your body into a surface to brace the firearm against. Similarly to how people shoot from a prone position and brace the rifle on the ground, the more restrictions you put on how much a rifle can move, the more accurate you are. When you pull a sling taut while aiming a rifle, the extra resistance works against your arms that are holding the rifle away from you, creating a pseudo-surface of stability to help you aim properly. However, using a sling is not always intuitive, so it helps to practice with it regularly. Running drills, bringing the rifle up from a hang to aim, and generally moving while aiming and using the sling are some of the best ways to become more proficient with one.

Aside from increased stability, there are other benefits to using an AR15 sling. For example, a sling allows you to stop holding your rifle without putting it down somewhere. While this isn’t a huge problem for most people who primarily shoot at a target range, it is crucial for anyone who might be in a tactical environment. By keeping your rifle connected to your body even when using your hands for something else, you’re able to respond quickly and appropriately by bringing your rifle up to aim without having to grab it from the floor or somewhere else.

Grab an AR15 Sling & Take Your Training to the Next Level

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