Slings

[chris327 30]

I am looking to buy a sling for an AR and not really sure where to start there's a million different ones. 2 point sling seems to be the way to go but not sure what one. any ideas on some that are not crap. i tried to search for a sling topic here but didn't really get much.

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

Magpul makes what they call a "Multi mission sling," which can be used with two points of attachment, or switched over to one, for fast transitions

in tactical situations, mainly in training classes for us.  For the latter use, you will need a sling adapter.

 

http://www.woodburyoutfitters.com/info/2016-coyote-seminar

[High Exposure 5,664]

Good info in these threads:

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/73304-help-choosing-a-sling/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/68539-slings-questions/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/59040-1-point-slings-who-makes-the-best/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/58239-sling-attachment-basics/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/52226-need-advice-on-ar-sling-mount/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/51345-ms3-sling-or-ms4-for-my-daniel-defense/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/48867-tactical-sling/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/44611-slingswhat-are-you-guys-using/?fromsearch=1

 

Threads posted in chronological order, most recent on top. Some advice has changed as new techniques and equipment has come out.

 

The basics are the same:

- Avoid 3 point slings

- Single point slings are less than optimal for a number of reasons

- Quick-adjust 2 point slings are the way to go

- VCAS, Magpul MS1, or VTAC quick-adjust 2 point slings are the standard the rest are measured against and I highly reccomend them

- The ability to convert it to a single point is nice in theory but rarely used if ever

- Where/how to connect your sling to the rifle is personal choice driven by your body type and gear (t-shirt, armor, chest rig, etc...) requirements

 

ETA: And new data from my experience:

 

I tried the Magpul MS1 sling and found it to be of high quality and very useful. I ended up buying 3 of them. They work as advertised - easy to adjust, wide enough to be comfortable, the sling doesn't roll over - and I would not hesitate to reccomend them along with the VCAS and VTAC (unlike the MS2 and MS3 slings that I hated).

[siderman 1,137]

HA! I was just about to say i remember HighExposure having some good talks about slings and here you post as I was typing so there ya go lol

[chris327 30]

Thanks strange my search didn't get most of those. And high exposure I was looking for a thread you were on bc I remembered seeing something a while back you had a ton of info like always. The first you posted is the one I remember. Thanks for the help guys. I'll be choosing from those 3 you posted.

[High Exposure 5,664]

Glad I could help!

[chris327 30]

Starting from step one getting new handguards again, new sling mounts, then the sling. Thanks again

[High Exposure 5,664]

What handguards do you have now?

 

Can you post a photo of the AR in question?

[chris327 30]

Crap handguards. No name got at a gun show before knowing better cheap quad rail. No sling mounts close to the receiver on either side. And the rail is like 2 lbs. I'll try to grab a current pic but take off the rail and all it is is a bone stock bushmaster I got new in 2007 ish. I know bushmaster sucks. But I got it with the first gun grab craze before obama, knowing nothing and the salesman saying it's a high end gun.

[High Exposure 5,664]

I have a Bushmaster* XM15 that I bought way back when I diidn't know any better.

 

Most issues are with the BCG - my experience mirrors this - so just buy a mil-spec BCG from Bravo Co and you will be set. You may also need an extended front sight post to get everything zerod. My rifle didn't have the "F" marked front sight and I couldn't get my elevation zeroed without one.

 

If freefloat isn't a requirement for you, the MOE handguards from Magpul are perfect. You can attach lights, slings, and grips with no issues. They are quality and very affordable. I have a carbine length model I am currently not using if you want to try one out.

 

If you want FF, check out the Troy Alpha tubes. Lightweight and they use the standard barrel nut so there is no issue trying to remove the muzzle device to swap barrel nuts. All you have to do is cut off the delta ring with a dremel and use an angle grinder to cut down and shape the FSB to fit under the tube. Hit it with some cold blue and high-temp paint (BBQ or Engine manifold paint works fine) and you are good to go. I did this to my Bushmaster with a 13" Troy Alpha tube on a 13.5" barrel with a pinned Troy muzzle break and it took about 25 minutes total. I think it came out very nice:

 

Also on this rifle I am trying something new with the sling based on Pat McNamara's take on slings:

So I have my sling attached to the stock at the rear and a little more forward than I usually like on the handguards. Not sure how I feel about it yet, but I wanted to try it before I poo-poo'd it. So far, it is much more comfortable when slung - especially behind the back - but it is a little harder doing manipulations eg. relaods, locking the bolt back, reducing malfunctions in this configuration. A few more range sessions and we will see what shakes. There is still an ASAP plate on the receiver, so I can switch back it to my normal configuration quickly if I decide I really don't like it.

 

* I have since swapped out every part of my Bushmaster except for the stripped lower receiver. I just didn't trust it as a duty gun.

[bhunted 887]

Same thing I did and now I call them Bushmaster Hybrid 1 and Bushmaster Hybrid 2....

On one I put an Aero on top though. Boron bolt carrier from Ty in another.

 

 

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[checko 180]

I have a moe lower with the qd cup I'm not using too. It's od green though

 

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[chris327 30]

Thanks guys, yea Im ordering a bravo co gunfighter charging handle and bcg. MOE handguards, ASAP attachment plate https://www.magpul.com/products/asap-qd I think that one right?,

For the front mount https://www.magpul.com/products/msa-qd I think that's the one that works. And an MS1 sling plus the quick disconnect swivels. Thanks for the offer to try it out. But they are cheap and I'm sure it's fine. I just need rail sections to attach anything like my light I have on the ghetto quad rail.

 

Option b was selling it and upgrading to a colt 6920 then adding the bravo Charging handle, MOE handguard, sling points and sling. So no bcg change.

[High Exposure 5,664]

Good choices on the BCM gear. Get the medium charging handle (#4 I think) the large is too large and stabs you in the chest when slung, and the 3 is too small to be very helpful.

 

Those parts should really fix any issues you may have with a Bushmaster rifle. The last thing you may want to do with the upper is get the chamber reamed to make sure it is a true 5.56 chamber.

 

If you are getting a new MOE Handguard it will be MLOK compatible so you won't need any rail sections.

 

Look at these light mounting options:

https://www.magpul.com/search-results?PID=88&eComQuery=M+Lok+light&ProductNumber=M+Lok+light

 

For the front sling attachment point -

 

I think you will need this mount:

https://www.magpul.com/products/m-lok-qd-sling-mount

 

With this QD swivel:

https://www.magpul.com/products/slings-and-sling-mounts

 

Or

 

This mount:

https://www.magpul.com/products/m-lok-paraclip-sling-mount

 

With this clip:

https://www.magpul.com/products/paraclip

You will also need a second paraclip (the link above) to hook into the ASAP plate on the back end of the sling.

[chris327 30]

I was planning the asap with qd and the front mount with qd is that not a good idea?

 

And thanks I'll just buy new rings instead of a rail section and put the surefire in there.

 

And yes the medium charging handle #4 I read another thread you mentioned that in.

[High Exposure 5,664]

QD is fine. No worries - I forgot they made the QD ASAP.

 

I do prefer the Paraclips. I have had a few QD swivels back out of their sling cups on me.

 

I think the front mount you linked will require you to drill into the handguards - which is no big deal. But the one I linked to would not require that. Comined with the QD I linked that folds, it would be the same height off the handguards.

 

Either way you are good to go!

[chris327 30]

Done placed the order. Got the paraclips instead of the qd. Got the front mount that is mlok compatible. So should be good to go. Hopefully I get everything this week and I'll update with pics once I install. Thanks again guys. Next step in a few weeks will be an optic and buis. Thinking a red dot sight? And magpul back up iron but still gotta start that research.

 

 

Forgot one question to put the asap I need to remove the stock to put it on. If I don't have a torque wrench to reinstall is there any other option? I have a stock wrench just no torque wrench on hand.

[chris327 30]

Got everything in last week. Had some time tonight to get most together. All went on fairly easy. Didn't put the light mount on yet wanna figure out my best option of which spot to mount it. And need to adjust the sling still. Next step will be a new rear sight and red dot. Thinking a sparc will do and prob magpul buis. Still gotta research more on them before buying.

[Purple Patrick 638]

Got everything in last week. Had some time tonight to get most together. All went on fairly easy. Didn't put the light mount on yet wanna figure out my best option of which spot to mount it. And need to adjust the sling still. Next step will be a new rear sight and red dot. Thinking a sparc will do and prob magpul buis. Still gotta research more on them before buying.

Obviously you don't need a front but I've been looking really hard at a set of the mbus pro sights. Rifle is looking really good man I hope you find out (the first time) what you really like because I'm already specing out a 2nd ar build before my first one is ever really done

 

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[Eric. 9]

Got everything in last week. Had some time tonight to get most together. All went on fairly easy. Didn't put the light mount on yet wanna figure out my best option of which spot to mount it. And need to adjust the sling still. Next step will be a new rear sight and red dot. Thinking a sparc will do and prob magpul buis. Still gotta research more on them before buying.

Just more food for thought...

 

Im not a fan of having your sling mounts so close by the edges of the receivers.

 

If your main requirement is that the rifle sling needs to hold the rifle as snug to yiur body as possible, then this works.

 

If you use your sling to shoot with i.e. provide support from different shooting positions, hasty sling, wrap around a post, etc, then you need to have the front mount further down the handguard.

 

*edit- Vickers VCAS 2 point sling is what I prefer too

[chris327 30]

Obviously you don't need a front but I've been looking really hard at a set of the mbus pro sights. Rifle is looking really good man I hope you find out (the first time) what you really like because I'm already specing out a 2nd ar build before my first one is ever really done

 

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thanks but not my only either. ive had it a few years just going back changing things. have 2 others i built already. none are ever done.

 

Just more food for thought...

 

Im not a fan of having your sling mounts so close by the edges of the receivers.

 

If your main requirement is that the rifle sling needs to hold the rifle as snug to yiur body as possible, then this works.

 

If you use your sling to shoot with i.e. provide support from different shooting positions, hasty sling, wrap around a post, etc, then you need to have the front mount further down the handguard.

 

*edit- Vickers VCAS 2 point sling is what I prefer too

 yea i need to mess with the sling length and all too yet i just installed it last night didnt have time to mess around. i wasnt sure where the best mount spot was so figured close to the receiver and on my support side. ill mess with moving it out further and see if i like that better.

 

any best place to mount a light. i it mounted at the 9 o'clock position on the quad rail. not sure if thats the best spot to use though so plan on spending some time moving it around to see where i like best when i get a chance.

[Purple Patrick 638]

The light is personal preference and based off what kind of switch it has. Most people I see have it at 9 o clock

 

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[High Exposure 5,664]

The closer the light is mounted to 12 o'clock the more useful the light. Less of a barrel shadow in your line of sight, facilitates easier switching of the light by putting the switch where your thumb normally rests - especially with an aggressive shooting stance, and it let's you work the switch with either hand. It also eliminates splash back when shooting from behind cover - if the sight are clear the light is clear.

 

As a right handed shooter on a rifle with a fixed front sight I mount my lights at about 11:00. I find this to be a good compromise.

[Sig226GuyNJ 128]

Good info in these threads:

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/73304-help-choosing-a-sling/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/68539-slings-questions/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/59040-1-point-slings-who-makes-the-best/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/58239-sling-attachment-basics/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/52226-need-advice-on-ar-sling-mount/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/51345-ms3-sling-or-ms4-for-my-daniel-defense/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/48867-tactical-sling/?fromsearch=1

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/44611-slingswhat-are-you-guys-using/?fromsearch=1

 

Threads posted in chronological order, most recent on top. Some advice has changed as new techniques and equipment has come out.

 

The basics are the same:

- Avoid 3 point slings

- Single point slings are less than optimal for a number of reasons

- Quick-adjust 2 point slings are the way to go

- VCAS, Magpul MS1, or VTAC quick-adjust 2 point slings are the standard the rest are measured against and I highly reccomend them

- The ability to convert it to a single point is nice in theory but rarely used if ever

- Where/how to connect your sling to the rifle is personal choice driven by your body type and gear (t-shirt, armor, chest rig, etc...) requirements

 

ETA: And new data from my experience:

 

I tried the Magpul MS1 sling and found it to be of high quality and very useful. I ended up buying 3 of them. They work as advertised - easy to adjust, wide enough to be comfortable, the sling doesn't roll over - and I would not hesitate to reccomend them along with the VCAS and VTAC (unlike the MS2 and MS3 slings that I hated).

 

What didn't you like about the MS3 that was different from the MS1? I ask because I have a MS3, never handled a MS1 though. Just curious. Thanks!

[High Exposure 5,664]

Mostly it was the webbing. The MS3 tended to roll and bind up. It never laid flat, was hard to adjust, and was uncomfortable. I don't know exactly what they changed, but I haven't had any of those issues with the MS1.

[Sig226GuyNJ 128]

Mostly it was the webbing. The MS3 tended to roll and bind up. It never laid flat, was hard to adjust, and was uncomfortable. I don't know exactly what they changed, but I haven't had any of those issues with the MS1.

 

Interesting. I haven't experienced the never laying flat or hard to adjust issue, but then again, I don't use the sling nearly as much as you probably do. I do however agree that it is a bit uncomfortable. The webbing is so hard, that it rubs the shit out of your neck. So I wear a collared shirt if I'm going to be using a sling, which is almost never.

[chris327 30]

thanks guys. ill try it at the 11. i think ill need the offset mount for it then. magpul bius the standard for a flip up rear sight? and i think i want a 1/3 co-witness. any suggestions on that anyone?

[A-Tech 8]

The closer the light is mounted to 12 o'clock the more useful the light. Less of a barrel shadow in your line of sight, facilitates easier switching of the light by putting the switch where your thumb normally rests - especially with an aggressive shooting stance, and it let's you work the switch with either hand. It also eliminates splash back when shooting from behind cover - if the sight are clear the light is clear.

 

As a right handed shooter on a rifle with a fixed front sight I mount my lights at about 11:00. I find this to be a good compromise.

The other benefit is shooting from behind a barrier. With a light on the support side of the handguard, it washes out my red dot and can sometimes be obstructive when trying to rest against a barrier. I keep my lights at 12 o'clock for that reason more than anything else. Never will my light be taller than my red dot, therefore it will never obstruct any part of the operation

[High Exposure 5,664]

The other benefit is shooting from behind a barrier. With a light on the support side of the handguard, it washes out my red dot and can sometimes be obstructive when trying to rest against a barrier. I keep my lights at 12 o'clock for that reason more than anything else. Never will my light be taller than my red dot, therefore it will never obstruct any part of the operation

Yup.

 

That's exactly what I meant when talking about splash back when shooting behind cover. If your sights and barrel are clear to shoot ie. They are not obstructed by your cover, then you know your light has a clear path downrange as well as it is between the two.

 

Keeping the path of your light clear is very important in low light shooting. An obstructed light path is bad for two reasons:

1) The reflected light will bounce off the barricade/cover into your face, lighting up your position, while offering you no advantage in threat ID

2) It puts a "wall of light" (think trying to see a driver of a car past their high beams) in front of your face making it harder to see downrange

[fslater 62]

Personally I don't see so much objective debate being necessary on such a topic. No disrespect to anyone having preference to single point or any other fancy configuration out there. But unless your in combat or some type of tac LEO. A normal 2 point (with QD if desired) is 100% adequate and most functional to anyone bar tacticool being the priority