sling options for an AR

Sakoman

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 22, 2004
46
0
45
North Mississippi
I'm in the process of putting together an AR for the purpose of thinning the local coyote population. I need to figure out some way to put a sling on this rifle so it'll be easier to carry around while hauling all my other gear. The problem I'm having is finding a way to attach a swivel stud toward the front of the rifle.
I would like to hear your thoughts on what would work best and where would be the best place to purchase the parts I need.
I'm also interested in hearing suggestions for the sling itself, i.e. type, brand etc

Thanks for the help


Here is a pic of the rifle in question

128829718111_0_BG.jpg
 
Re: sling options for an AR

Yeah, I'm not sure I like the idea of a single point sling. I don't want the rifle bouncing around (and into the ground) as I navigate through the underbrush around here.
 
Re: sling options for an AR

LaRue/Vtac from my research. It kind of bridges the gap between single, double and three point.

This was the "consensus" I got from people I trust that actually use them for work for various purposes.

I havent ordered yet though.
 
Re: sling options for an AR

I sell a lot of slings, and I deal with this very issue all of the time.

Your biggest issue you are going to have with a sling on your current setup is going to be sling length. Almost any two point sling you buy (which I would recommend a two point sling based on your mission) is going to be extremely long since your handguard is short. You can buy a sling and sew it to make it shorter, or you can add another buckle to shorten it.

I would drill and tap a swivel on the side of the handguard rather than on the bottom. I would also either attach the back of the sling to the bottom of the CAR stock, or I would use the MI sling attachment that mounts into the CAR stock slot.

By attaching a sling to the side of the rifle, the rifle will lay against your body better than trying to mount it to the bottom. The bottom of the AR has the mag and pistol grip that interfere with the gun resting against you easily.

As for brands, there are many slings available at many different price ranges. On my personal rig, I chose the Condor Two Point Sling. I like it because of the price and the fact that your can easily adjust the length for many scenarios.

This sling can be used over the shoulder, patrol style, in front vertically like a single point, and it can be tightened for a more secure standing shot. Here is a picture of the sling on my rifle:
IMGP0118.jpg


It is hard to tell from the photo, but the front of the sling is attached on the side of the handguard and not to the bipod.
 
Re: sling options for an AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HiTechTactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I sell a lot of slings, and I deal with this very issue all of the time.

Your biggest issue you are going to have with a sling on your current setup is going to be sling length. Almost any two point sling you buy (which I would recommend a two point sling based on your mission) is going to be extremely long since your handguard is short. You can buy a sling and sew it to make it shorter, or you can add another buckle to shorten it.

I would drill and tap a swivel on the side of the handguard rather than on the bottom. I would also either attach the back of the sling to the bottom of the CAR stock, or I would use the MI sling attachment that mounts into the CAR stock slot.

By attaching a sling to the side of the rifle, the rifle will lay against your body better than trying to mount it to the bottom. The bottom of the AR has the mag and pistol grip that interfere with the gun resting against you easily.

As for brands, there are many slings available at many different price ranges. On my personal rig, I chose the Condor Two Point Sling. I like it because of the price and the fact that your can easily adjust the length for many scenarios.

This sling can be used over the shoulder, patrol style, in front vertically like a single point, and it can be tightened for a more secure standing shot. Here is a picture of the sling on my rifle:
IMGP0118.jpg


It is hard to tell from the photo, but the front of the sling is attached on the side of the handguard and not to the bipod. </div></div>


Now that is an informative post! Thanks for the tips. I'm having trouble understanding your suggestion for mounting a stud to the inside of the handguard. Can you post some close up pics of exactly where you recommend mounting the stud?

Thanks again
 
Re: sling options for an AR

Just curious why the handguard doesn't go to the gas block (looks like a 7" handguard for a carbine gas system on a gun with a mid-length gas system). If it's a YHM, call them to see if they'll just sell you the right length tube, with more or less picatinny rail to taste (I have the "Customizable" on one, it has detachable picatinny rail segments.

As soon as you have some picatinny rail, you can use a sling attachment like http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/603.php (there are a bunch on the market, this seems the most low profile).

If you don't want any rails, you can probably also use http://www.jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPHGS through the slots in your current handguard (or a longer handguard with similar slots).

I've used the padded Vickers VCAS and have run into the "too long problem", and now mostly use the Magpul MS-2, which is a convertible 1 or 2 point sling. If you get an MS-2, you'll also need a http://www.magpul.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=302, which replaces the stock latch plate.

 
Re: sling options for an AR

I do like the MS2 sling, but I think for long field walks the strap is a little too thin for your application. I will post a pic of the side mounted sling stud tomorrow when I'm at the gun show.
 
Re: sling options for an AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HiTechTactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I sell a lot of slings, and I deal with this very issue all of the time.
</div></div>

Great post, thanks. Looking to add a sling to a couple of AR's. This helps a bunch.
 
Re: sling options for an AR

Hello,
I'm also looking for some sling suggestions for an AR15. I like the TAB gear sling. I like the idea of having the front loop, otherwise I'd just do a basic 2pt setup. What would be the best attachment method for me? I have rails up front, and a fixed A1 stock. Here's a pic of my rifle.
WebPics




Thanks!
 
Re: sling options for an AR

+1 for the side mounted sling swivel.
An ordinary rifle is OK with underside mounted swivels but any auto/semi-autos with magazines etc sticking out the bottom and sights/scopes etc on top needs to be carried flat.

Then get a side mounted rear swivel as well, (mine is mounted at the pistol grip/tube as I like it riding rather high but that may be an issue with the short distance to the front swivel on yours, on the other hand it could be carried over-the-shoulder on your back muzzle down fairly easy, reducing risk of debris/snow etc falling into your barrel when moving in dense vegetation).
I would recommend a Wickers Blue Force 2-point quick-adjustable sling, it is very nice for both conventional (over-the-shoulder/back) carry and for carrying your rifle across your chest, and allows for cut-to-fit at the "rear" end as it loops through a buckle where theres a free end. Adjust and cut free end, burn/melt end with lighter,done.
Make sure you cut when the sling is extended to as long as you want your maximum length...lol

John - out
 
Re: sling options for an AR

For your application of walk and stalking type coyote killing the two point sling will be your best bet. I've got 1 point, 2 point, and 3 point slings and all are good for their individual application.
Spec Ops brand makes a Master Blaster sling, I have this sling on my M1A and my semi auto AK knock off. Both are side mounted slings. The Master Blaster has a good 6 inch of so of internal bungee for give if needed. It also has a relatively wide section for comfort on the shoulders while carrying it in the ready position. About half way on the sling is a buckle for quick removal. The material itself is very stout for a sling, a definite plus. These slings come in a couple color options if thats your taste, I tend to go with tan.
Like I said, I have two of the Master Blasters, two of their 3 points, one 1 point sling, two of their packs, a belt, and their "Texas Hunt Co" Master Blaster with swivels for my SPS-T. Spec Ops makes good quality gear and will last a for a long time. Plus their warranty is great.
Give this a look over once you get your mounting situation taken care of.
I managed to find a pic of my M1A with sling. Not the best pic but it gives you an idea of how you can tailor your AR.
Good Luck!
100_2024.jpg
 
Re: sling options for an AR

Thanks for the tips Sgt. I sent HiTech a PM earlier to see what he could do to help me out. I need to put something together that will work for me but am on a limited budget. I need to get something figured out in the next few weeks, but also need to keep the cost down as much as possible. What you have on your rifle in the pic, looks like a nice set-up. Now, if I can get something similar for my AR, I'll be in business
 
Re: sling options for an AR

I have the standard sling swivel that mounts to your gas block...if you want it, PM me your address and I'll send it and the roll pin. I'm also a fan of the VCAS.