5 Best AR 15 Slings – (Reviews – Comprehensive Buying Guide 2021)

Rifle slings have been used for decades, and the reason they’re still here is that they’re very effective. Even though slings passed through a period of decreasing popularity, they are still an efficient accessory for your rifle and should be part of every shooter’s kit. A rifle sling for your AR 15 will make your shooting experience better because you will no longer have to carry the rifle in your hands every time you’re on the move. But did you know that a rifle sling can actually be used to increase your shooting accuracy in some shooting stances? In the following article, we will review the best selling AR 15 slings available on the market in 2021 and show both their pros and cons. Further, in the article, we explain what to look for if you want to buy a sling for your AR 15 rifle. It might look easy since it’s only a sling, but a lot of different factors can interfere with your shooting experience and you should make an informed decision before deciding which is the best AR 15 sling for you.

Will this be your first sling? No problem, one of the section in our article will explain how to adjust your sling in various situations, so using it will be an advantage. We present how to use the sling’s strap to take some of the weight from your arms and hands and distribute it over your back, so you will be able to keep the same shooting stance for a long time without tiring while never taking your sights off your target. Not sure if you should buy a rifle sling for your AR 15? Don’t make a decision until you read our list of advantages of using a rifle sling.

PRODUCT	DETAILS
	STI 2 Point Sling With FAST-LOOP Adjuster	Price: $$ Color: Black Material: Nylon Webbing and High Impact Polymer Composite Length: 30 to 50+ inches	View On Amazon
	Magpul Slings 2 Point Quick Adjust	Price: $$$ Color: Black Material: Sturdy and soft material Length: 48 to 60 inches	View On Amazon
	Padded Vickers Combat Sling	Price: $$$$ Color: Black Material: Foam, Nylon, and Metal hardware Length: 22 to 50 inches	View On Amazon
	Paracord Survival 2-Point AR 15 Rifle Sling	Price: $ Color: Black Material: Synthetic Cotton Length: Adjustable up to 44″	View On Amazon
	2 Point Tactical Shoulder Sling	Price: $ Color: Black Material: Heavy Metal hardware and heavy wight webbing Length: Approximately 54 inches	View On Amazon

Best AR 15 Sling Reviews

1. STI 2 Point Sling With FAST-LOOP Adjuster

This is one of the best-rated slings available on the market. The sling is made out of heavy-duty premium tubular nylon webbing which is not only chafe-resistant but also very resistant to pulls and tears. The tube webbing will allow you to carry your rifle across your back and returning it into your hands and adopting a shooting position in an instant. The webbing used for this sling has passed quality tests, ensuring it will stay intact even when it’s pulled with a force of 4,000 pounds.

Pros

• Thumb Loop Adjusting – This sling can easily be adjusted at all times, using just a thumb loop. This will allow you to make small adjustments on the go.

• Rifle In Ready Position – This sling will allow you to switch between carrying on your back and having it ready for fire very quickly.

Cons

• Not For Big Guys – The sling extends to a full capacity of 50”, so if you’re tall and thick across the chest, this sling might not fit you properly.

2. Magpul Slings 2 Point Quick Adjust

This sling is made out of a wide and very sturdy strap of nylon webbing. The strap’s wideness will help with distributing the weight of your rifle and its accessories across a wider area of your back, making it more comfortable than other slings available on the market. The quick one-handed adjustment system will allow you to make any changes you want right when you need them without having to take the sling off at any time. The adjustment system is quick to use, but it won’t move unless you want it to, holding your adjustments for a long time.

Pros

• High-Quality Stitching – The stitching is usually the weakest part of the sling, but this isn’t the case with this model. The stitching is very good and will withstand every punishment you put it through.

• Double Layer – Not only is the sling wide, but it’s also thick, increasing its durability

Cons

• QD Swivels Cost Extra – This sling comes without QD swivels, but you can order them for an extra price.

3. Padded Vickers Combat Sling

The two-point sling is made out of woven nylon, but it features a padded rear section which is made out of closed-cell foam, an ideal material for this particular job because it doesn’t expand and it doesn’t gain water weight either. The sling’s front section is easily adjusted using a special feature which allows the wearer to make all the adjustments without having to take the sling off. The carry position will keep your rifle in a “ready” position, so you will be able to have it in a shooting position just with a pull of the strip.

Pros

• Durable – This sling is made out of high-quality components and it’s designed to last. You will be able to use it for a long time.

• Padded Rear Section – The sling has a padded rear section which makes carrying your rifle very comfortable at all times.

Cons

• Long Sling – This sling is slightly longer than other models on the market and can be too long for short shooters.

4. Paracord Survival 2-Point AR 15 Rifle Sling

This sling made out of 550 lb-resisting commercial paracords (not DIY paracord). The strong, reliable paracord is weaved over layers of canvas and foam, making it thick and very comfortable to wear over your shoulder. Each of the sling’s end features a tri-glide system you will be able to attach to 1” or 1.25” swivels which are not included with the sling. The webbing is made out of woven high and medium weight acrylic canvas, making it look and feel like cotton, but being rot-resistant. You can choose the straps to be 1” or 1.25” wide.

Pros

• Adjustable Webbing – The webbing can be trimmed at the sides, giving it a more tailored, custom look

• Paracord – The sling offers 25” of paracord which you can use for other purposes in the case of an emergency. You can use it for medical purposes, for building a shelter, or for dragging your game.

Cons

• Can Be Short – If you’re tall and thick, you might have some troubles using this sling.

5. 2 Point Tactical Shoulder Sling

This 2 point sling uses a 54” long main strap. The strap is 1 1/2” wide and is made out of high-quality woven nylon, making it comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. The sling is fully adjustable and uses tri-bars for easy and convenient adjusting. The level of adjustment will make the sling fit you very nice and wearing it will be comfortable. The attachment hooks at the end of the strap are made out of metal and the stitching at the ends is very well done, ensuring you will be able to use this product for a long time.

Pros

• Tough – This sling is very durable and will withstand anything you may put it through

• Simple – The strap’s design is simple and straightforward. There are no flashy components and everything is highly functional.

Cons

• Sharp Edges – The sling has some sharp edges at the ending, and they can cut your skin or clothes.

AR 15 Slings Buying Guide

Finding the best AR 15 tactical sling might seem easy since you’re only looking to buy a sling, after all. But this can be far from the truth, especially if you’ve never owned a rifle sling before. This section will reveal the various types of slings, and which features you should look after if you want to find a great sling for your AR 15 rifle.

1. Type

There are two main types of slings. One connects to your rifle in two separate spots, while the other connects with the rifle in only one spot. Both types have advantages and disadvantages.

• Single Point Sling – This type of sling connects to your rifle in a single point. You can wear the sling over one shoulder, but it’s recommended that you wear it diagonally across the chest, so the weight of your rifle will be distributed over a larger surface so it’s weight won’t cause you any discomforts.

One of the advantages of using a single point sling is that your rifle will stay in a “ready” position, so you will be able to pick it up in your hands and adopt a shooting stance in a very short time.

One of the disadvantages of using a single point sling is that the rifle can wobble while you’re walking. If you wear the sling across your chest, the rifle can stay right in front of you within easy reaching distance, but it can also wobble and hit you constantly in the chest or belly. If you wear the sling across one shoulder, the rifle can reach down to your knees and interfere with your walking.

The wobbling problem can easily be solved by either strapping the sling thigh across your chest, so the rifle will not have enough space to move, or by wearing a cuff on your tactical belt. The cuff will keep the rifle at your side and stop it from moving.

• Two Point Sling – The two-point sling is a more popular design and it’s used by more manufacturers, so you’ll be able to find more models having this design. The two-point sling connects in two separate points to your rifle, and you can wear it over a shoulder or across your chest, depending on your favorite shooting position.

One of the advantages of using a 2 point sling is that it can actively stabilize your rifle when you’re shooting. Tactical slings can be easily adjusted, and when you aim you can tighten them around your body, making your rifle more stable in the process. This technique is especially useful if you have to hold a sitting or prone shooting stance for a long time and use the sling as a shooting brace.

Another advantage of using this type of slings is that it’s usually longer than a single point sling and it will fit larger and taller people. If you wear the sling on your non-dominant hand shoulder, you will always carry it in a “low-ready” position, making the transition between carrying the rifle and aiming with it in just an instant.

2. Materials Used

The materials used for the sling’s strap are very important because they will make carrying the rifle more or less comfortable.

• Nylon Webbing – This is one of the most popular choices for manufacturers because nylon is practically impervious to the elements. It can withstand anything, from the scorching sun to snow without any problems. Nylon is also very resistant. Some manufacturers say that their models can hold a weight of up to 4,000 pounds, so a lot more than what you’d need for carrying a rifle. The nylon can present itself as a simple woven strip, or as a tubular strip. Tubular designs seem to be more durable.

• Paracord – Some manufacturers will use paracord as the strap for their slings. Paracord is a highly resistant material originally used in parachute design. They were used as the parachute’s suspension lines, but nowadays they have a lot of other uses, as well. For decades now, military personnel has been using paracords for survival situations, and special training courses were invented to explain the many uses of this material. Paracord can be used for sewing gear or wounds, making traps or snares, or even for making your shelter in the wild. This is a highly versatile material, and it’s one of the most useful items you can have with you in a survival situation.

3. Padding

The presence or lack of padding can make carrying and using your rifle more or less comfortable. However, most manufacturers don’t use padding for their slings, being content to add some more width to the strap to make it more comfortable. The manufacturers that use padding use special materials so the pad won’t rot or gain weight when it’s wet, lowering the chances of it to interfere with your aiming and shooting.

How To Best Adjust Your Ar 15 Sling?

Slings can be used for more than just carrying your rifle. In fact, you can use the sling for stabilizing your rifle and keep it pointed at your target for a long period of time. In a real tactical situation, you would never have a rifle without a sling. A sling will allow you to switch between your primary weapon and sidearm in just a few seconds without having to drop the first one on the ground. A sling will also allow you to handle your other gear or perform various tasks with both your hands, while still having your primary firearm ready for action. Here are some tips on how to adjust and use the best AR 15 tactical sling:

1. Side Use – This is the most popular way of wearing your rifle sling. You put it on your dominant shoulder so the front of the rifle will be pointing downwards and the butt of the weapon will be very close to your shoulder.

Wearing the sling this way will allow you to reach your sidearm very fast, and you will be able to do so when you’re carrying the rifle in front of you, or on your back.

Keep in mind that you will need to tighten the straps so that the rifle will not move around very much when you walk or run, but still allowing the strap enough length not to interfere with your aiming and shooting. The length of the strap should also be stretched to allow you to switch between carrying the rifle on your chest and on your back without having to take the sling off.

2. Weak Side Use – This is a less popular way of wearing the rifle sling, but it can be very efficient. The strap of the sling should go over your non-dominant hand shoulder.

The advantage of wearing the sling this way is that the rifle’s muzzle is always facing your 180, even when you’re not holding a hand on the rifle. Another advantage is that you can keep the rifle in the “low-ready” position without having to use your muscles. You just brace in the butt of the rifle in your shoulder, tighten the strap, and relax your muscles while keeping the rifle in position. This allows a very fast transition between the carrying position and your shooting stance.

A slight disadvantage of wearing your sling this way is that the rifle can partially block your access to the handgun, and you might have problems drawing quickly. If you want to grip your pistol, you will have to slide the rifle on your back.

• Sitting Position Use – The sling can actually help your shooting in the sitting shooting stance. If you wear the sling over your weak side, you can use it as a shooting brace. This will allow you to keep the rifle aim for a long period of time without having to tire your muscles uselessly. Place the butt of your rifle against your shoulder and take aim. Tighten the sling’s straps so the weight of the rifle is mostly supported by the sling over your back. This technique can also be used in a kneeling shooting stance

• Prone Position Use – If you want to keep a prone shooting position for a long time, you can use the sling as a shooting brace. Place the butt of your rifle in your dominant shoulder, take aim and tighten the sling’s straps to put most of the rifle’s weight on the shoulder strap. This will allow you to keep the prone shooting position for a long time without tiring your muscles or using a bipod.

4 Top Advantages Of Rifle Slings

1. Switching Between Firearms

Probably the best thing about using a rifle sling is the fact that you can switch between your primary weapon and your sidearm without any kind of difficulty and without having to drop your weapons.

• • When you’re wearing the rifle strap on your dominant side, the rifle will stay in front of your chest or on your back, so switching between your primary weapon and your sidearm will be very easy and straightforward. The rifle will not interfere with your draw.
  • When you’re wearing the rifle strap on your weak side, the rifle will stay in front of you, but slightly under your dominant shoulder. This can place it directly in front, or in some cases even over your firearm. In order to make the transition from your primary weapon to the sidearm, you will need to slide the rifle on your back.

2. Easy Carry

Another advantage of using a rifle sling is that you don’t have to carry it your arm all the time. Carrying your rifle in your arms for a long time can be tiring and it might lead to a decrease in your accuracy because of your stiff muscles.

• • A rifle strap will allow you to carry the rifle without having to hold it. Single point rifle straps are very good for this task, but they’re not suited for running, especially if you’re running over uneven terrain. A rifle will wobble if you’re running while wearing a single point sling, so you will need to hold a hand over it the whole time. You can also use a cuff on your belt to keep the rifle steady.
  • Double point rifle straps will allow you to carry the rifle over long distances without interfering with your walking or running. You can use the sling to carry the rifle on your chest or on your back. If you really need to cover the distance fast, it would be better to have the rifle strapped to your back.

3. Holding Shooting Stances

Rifle slings can also help you hold certain shooting stances. The sling can be used to take the load off your arms and hands and distribute it on your back. This will allow you to keep the stance for a long time without tiring.

4. Emergency Situation Tool

Rifle slings are made out of very durable materials. Most of them are made out of high-quality nylon, while some are even made out of paracord. These materials can be very helpful in a survival situation when you can use them to make traps, snares, or to build your shelter.

Best AR 15 Slings Comparison Chart

Wrap Up

We’re certain that after reading this article you can acknowledge the many advantages of using a rifle sling. If you know how to use it properly, a sling for your AR 15 will be so much more than just a strap to carry your rifle from one place to another.

Using a rifle sling will allow you to switch between your primary weapon and your sidearm without having to but your main weapon down at any moment. More so, it will allow you to use all your gear with both hands, and it will allow you to use both hands to perform different tasks while still keeping the rifle close enough to reach quickly if necessary.

If you use the best AR 15 slings at its maximum capacity, you will able to hold the same shooting stance for hours on end without having to take your eyes away from your target and without tiring your arms and hands uselessly.

Not only will the sling allow you to carry and point your rifle for a long time without tiring, but you can also use it to increase your accuracy. If you use a rifle sling while you’re aiming in the prone shooting stance, you will be able to distribute a large portion of the rifle’s weight across your back, and in so doing turning the sling in a bipod substitute. This technique will keep your rifle steady while you shoot, taking part of the recoil and dispersing it over the straps on your back.

If you want to perform well in a tactical scenario, you need the best gear available. Take a look at our other articles and find out what is the best AR 15 bipods, and the best AR 15 iron sights.