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Rifles can become heavy to carry. An AR-15 sling can mitigate that by dispersing the weight across your chest and shoulder.
However, there are many options out there. That's why we've gathered the best options available and reviewed them for you!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Slings
- OUR TOP PICK: Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling
- RUNNER-UP: Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Unpadded Sling
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Magpul Industries AR Rifle MS1 Sling
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Slings
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AR Sling Types
Before buying, it’s good to understand the different types of slings available.
1 Point vs 2 Point Sling
A one-point sling is a long loop that attaches with a single clip.
This type allows for plenty of movement, but that applies to when it’s loose at your side too. Unfortunately, when you’re walking, it may slam into your side or leg.
In contrast, two-point slings connect at two separate points, usually the barrel and stock. The two-point model keeps the rifle nestled at your dominant side, barrel down, and stock up, so you can quickly aim with added stability.
One downside is that it offers less freedom of movement. Yet, you’re less likely to slam your rifle into yourself when walking.
Eagle Rock Gear 550 Paracord 2 Point Gun Sling
3 Point vs 2 Point Sling
Three-point slings are a hybrid between one-point and two-points.
You wear it similarly to one-points by slinging your arm and head through the largest loop.
This sling keeps your rifle steady, won’t slam it into your body as you walk, and boosts stability like two-points.
However, it’s also more complicated and, if not worn right, can end up impeding your movement.
How to Choose an AR-15 Sling
When buying the right match for yourself, you need to think not only of the durability of the material but also of your comfort and stability. Otherwise, you may have a sling that lasts but is unwieldy or painful.
Sling Type
Slings usually come in three different types: leather, padded, and tactical.
Leather is more durable, and that can ensure your sling lasts longer. The thick material, however, can mean that they are harder to adjust.
A padded sling offers maximum comfort, ideal for an AR-15.
Lastly, tactical slings offer flexibility and are usually made of polymer and heavy-duty nylon. This provides lightweight durability.
Comfort
A typical AR-15 weighs about six to seven pounds. That doesn't include modifications or a fully-loaded magazine.
In general, the bigger your gun, the wider and more padded a sling should be. Wider slings are great for better distribution of weight. Padding can help to manage the risk of fatigue and back pain.
Stability
A quality sling should provide freedom of movement without your rifle swinging everywhere or hitting your side. Depending on your stability needs, the design you choose will influence the level of stability.
Review of the Best AR-15 Slings
Let’s take a look at some of the best AR-15 slings, so you can decide which is right for you.
Best Overall:
Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling
Pros
Cons
While there’s no best sling for every person, the best AR-15 sling overall is the Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling.
What Recent Buyers Report
All in all, buyers love this sling. It's comfortable, easy to adjust, and it's made with durable materials, so you know it can last.
However, there are several mentions of it being a little too long for people who aren’t too tall.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because it combines comfort and function. It's padded well, making carrying our rifles that much easier, but it has extra features that make it more functional than the competition.
Plus, the rubber pull-tab makes it easy to adjust both when it's off but also at the moment, when you need less or more movement of your rifle. This makes it the perfect accompaniment for both on-the-move hunting but also for when we just go shooting.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is the overall best AR-15 sling on the market.
It's comfortable and easy to use, but it's also sturdy and well made. We always prefer a two-point sling, but this one, in particular, gives the stability we need when out with our rifles.
Runner-up:
Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Unpadded Sling
Pros
Cons
The Vickers Sling, made by Blue Force, offers both durability and reliability when combined with the AR-15.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have consistently praised the quality and durability. If there's one highlight for users, it's the sling's adjustability and overall ease to set up. Many also emphasize its versatility as its strongest point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Blue Force's Vickers Sling delivers a standout smooth transition between dominant and support positions thanks to its patented Quick Adjuster feature.
It's easy to mount and can be adjusted to different body types and weapons.
The material is made of Invista solution dyed Cordura webbing. Its hardware is glass reinforced DuPont Zytel Nylon, which offers a lighter load and more durable quality. With three different colors, you have options to match both your rifle and gear.
Bottom Line
This sling is easy to set up and configure. Its Quick Adjuster feature allows for effortless transitions. Finally, its durability promises to make it a long-term investment.
Best for the Money:
Magpul Industries AR Rifle MS1 Sling
Pros
Cons
When it comes to absolute overall value, no sling compares to the Magpul Industries AR Rifle MS1 Sling.
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers can't get enough of this sling's smooth adjustability alongside the ease of setup. The padding is another advantage, with users saying it provided an excellent level of comfort. Recent buyers praised the overall quality and spoke well of its durability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This sling doesn't skimp on quality. Comfort-wise, it offers padding that is integrated into the webbing itself through a tubular design.
That webbing is variable-width, offering protection against wear without compromising on being anti-chafe comfort.
Its MS1 slider system avoids snags while allowing for effortless adjustment. With optional adapters, you can even switch your sling between a one- or two-point design.
Bottom Line
This sling represents the strongest value for money without cutting quality. Its MS1 slider enables quick transitions while the integrated padding offers comfort, especially for extended periods of use.
Best AR-15 2 Point Sling:
Crosstac Ambi Gun Sling
Pros
Cons
When it comes to 2-point sling options, none can beat the Crosstac Ambi Gun Sling.
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent reviews raved about the comfort and versatility offered by the bungee. The ease of installation and adjustability are two other positive points. Some recommend against purchasing the large variant if you're not 6’ and over.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Ambi Sling by Crosstac makes transitions between one- point and two-point a breeze.
The bungee material is stretchy, offering excellent versatility and adjustability. Its webbing sleeve comes with a six-inch limit, which helps to ensure a reliable switch between your shoulders.
What's more, is that the material is durable and delivers a high degree of comfort. It effortlessly conforms to your shape, whether or not you're using body armor.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this sling gives stability, versatility, and top-quality to any who use it. The addition of the bungee material adds even more security as you walk and aim.
While it may need some adjustment, it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking for a two-point sling.
Best AR-15 3 Point Sling:
Specter Gear Cross Shoulder Transition (CST) Sling
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a versatile sling that gives the most stability when moving or aiming, this cross shoulder option is an impressive choice.
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers love the versatility that this model offers. You can wear it in any combination you like, including across either of your shoulders.
They do warn that it can be difficult to assemble the first few times and that it's not as agile as regular single-point slings.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Like the reviewers, we can't get enough of the versatility of this sling. You can wear it at any point, on either shoulder, giving you the ability to switch hands when necessary.
It's got top-quality materials, can be used on a variety of rifles, and holds up well in all kinds of terrain, including rain, desert, or winter.
Bottom Line
While it lacks mounting hardware, this sling is the most versatile on the list. If you like to shoot with either hand, this Specter CST is your top option.
It can be challenging to learn how to use it at first, but once you get it, it's going to serve you well.
Best Tactical Sling for AR-15:
NcSTAR Single Point Bungee Sling
Pros
Cons
A tactical sling goes over the neck and around your dominant arm, meant to give more stability. The bungee action means you'll likely get some shock absorption, too.
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent reviews are all in favor of this bungee single-point sling. It's the perfect budget option, especially for those who are new to using a rifle.
They enjoy the nylon bungee and the stability it gives when on the move. It's easy to adjust, but the crimps, even though they are made of metal, may break easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You can't beat the bungee model for single-point. The nylon is of high quality, and the bungee keeps the rifle supported. Most single-points flap around uncomfortably, but not this.
It's also one of the easiest models to use. Clip it to a loop on your rifle, and you're good to go.
We also love how simple it is to adjust on the go. You don’t need to take it off to get it to the tension you need at the moment.
Bottom Line
Our biggest concern with this particular sling is the additional hardware. The clips may not hold up but can be easily replaced.
However, if you're looking for a budget option or have never used a sling before and want to try it, this is a solid choice.
Best Paracord Sling for AR-15:
Eagle Rock Gear 550 Paracord 2 Point Gun Sling
No products found.
Pros
Cons
For anyone looking for a paracord sling, this Eagle Rock model is one of the best available.
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are enjoying the length of this sling and the freedom it provides without being too loose.
It's comfortable, easily adjustable, but the clips and hooks slide or break easily.
However, the paracord itself is sturdy and well-constructed, so they're happy with their purchases.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model stands out because of its lightweight strength. It doesn't weigh us down as we go out with our rifles, but we know our guns are in good hands.
It's comfortable thanks to its extra-wide weave, and we love that it can be adjusted on the go.
Moving from the over-the-shoulder position to the firing position is easy, thanks to its length and the rope's durability.
Bottom Line
While it's clear we like this sling because of its strength and length, we're not thrilled with its additional hardware. The clips and swivels are plastic, and they break too easily.
Yet, those are easily swapped out, and we're left with a quality product that will last.
Pros and Cons of Having a Sling on Your AR-15
You need to decide if having a sling is worth it for you. That means looking at both the pros of using one and the cons.
Pros
It makes sense that there are more pros than cons when it comes down to using a sling on your AR-15.
Provides Relief Over Long Hauls
Using a sling is a way to give your arms a break and distribute the weight of your rifle more evenly across your body. This way, when it’s time to aim, your muscles won’t be exhausted.
Boosts Stability During Movement
Another benefit of using a sling is that it gives extra stability while you're on the move. It keeps your rifle close to your body, especially if you're using a bungee or two- or three-point sling.
Increases Freedom of Movement
When we have a sling, we are given freedom of movement. Think of the sling being the pistol holster for your rifle. Your arms and legs are now open and able to react as you walk.
Cons
That being said, there can be some drawbacks to having a sling, especially one that isn’t top-quality.
Often Difficult to Attach
Unfortunately, the more points in your sling, the more complicated it is. Three-point models are especially difficult, and you may need to practice putting the sling on.
May Interfere With Operations
Of course, when we add gear, we run the risk of snagging our rifle. If your sling is too long, it may become tangled.
Further, if you don't attach a three-point model, for example, properly, it may impede grabbing your rifle and taking aim.
How to Attach a Sling to an AR-15
Attaching a sling is no easy feat if you've never done it before. Even with any instructions that come with it, watching someone do it can be useful. Please be sure to refer to the video below to see the steps we describe in action.
How to Attach a Two Point Sling to AR-15
Take the end of the sling that has the adjusting buckle, and attach that to the eye on the rear of the rifle. Then, you'll need to attach the other end of the sling towards the front or barrel of your file. You may have to add a mount if you don't have an eye already.
Depending on the type of rifle you have, you may be able to thread your sling through the end of the weapon itself.
How to Use a 3 Point Sling
Attaching a three-point model can be a whole lot trickier.
Rather than threading the buckle end through the rear of the rifle, you're going to put this through the barrel. You may have an attachment point already, or you may have to add a mount. If your model has two buckles, use the point that has the detachment clip at the front.
Next, attach your next point (either buckle or clip) to the rear of the rifle and keep the tension of the sling along with the rifle tight. This will ensure more stability in the field.
You can check out this video for step by step instructions:
Conclusion
Everyone's needs are going to be different. Some of us will want a single point sling while others want stability, so we opt for a three-point model.
If you're looking for something that does well in every category, gives you stability without hindering movement, then the overall best AR-15 sling, in our opinion, is the Viking Tactics sling.
People Also Ask
Now that you have a better grasp on which sling would work best for you, let's take a closer look at some important questions you'll need to be answered before you buy.
How to Wear a Rifle Sling
A single-point option is easy to attach. It typically clips onto the carbine, and then you put your head and should through the sling.
Once it’s on, you can let your rifle hang at your side, ready to be picked up right when you need it.
How to Wear a Two-Point Sling
The two-point sling is one of the most popular versions. You can wear it in multiple ways, depending on how it's attached.
One way to wear it is across the front of your body, with the barrel pointing down. You can also wear it over your shoulder, barrel pointing upwards, or with the rifle diagonal across your back.
How to Wear a Three-Point Sling
If you want your rifle secure against your body, the three-point is the best way to go.
The most typical way to wear a three-point is to keep the rifle nestled against your side, barrel down.
How to Carry an AR-15 With Sling
There are different ways you can hold your rifle with your sling. You can keep it at your side, hanging, or hold it in a relaxed position, barrel facing down. Lastly, you can wear it on your back, with the barrel pointing upwards, holding the strap for stability.
How Does a Three-Point Sling Work?
Three-point slings attach to either side of your carbine, keeping your rifle secure and out of the way while you're active. Technically, the third point is on the wearer.
Because of all the attachments, the rifle is kept in place at all times. This can make it more difficult to put your rifle into an active position, however.