Firearms are tools, and like most tools they’re not likely to be in use 100-percent of the time. For example, consider how construction workers and tradesmen stow their tools on tool belts. In a similar way, holsters exist to provide a place to keep handguns which aren’t in use.
But, what about long guns like carbines and shotguns? These guns are obviously too big to stow in a holster. You don’t always want to put your rifle on the ground, especially if you need to keep moving. This is where a sling comes in. While long gun slings and carry straps are nothing new and vary by different styles, the modern two-point tactical carbine sling offer a practical level of functionality and safety.
Modern two-point tactical carbine slings can be tightened and adjusted to carry a long gun in different positions and different ways, and they can also be used to help stabilize the firearm during actual shooting. On any serious defensive carbine or patrol rifle, a two-point sling is essential, arguably even more than an optic.
Here are five quality and reliably made modern tactical carbine slings. Other than the Kalashnikov-specific sling, all other slings are “open ended,” which means they’re designed to work with a variety of sling attachment points for maximum versatility. The hardware can range from elaborate QD (Quick Detach) sling swivels or a humble but practical loop of paracord.
Magpul MS1 (MSRP: $39.95)
Though Magpul offers a few different tactical slings, the Magpul MS1 is the standard go-to model in its catalog. The Magpul MS1 sling is made from thick and robust ¼-inch wide webbing material and includes a thick polymer slider, known as the Magpul MS1 slide. The MS1 Slide allows the end-user to control the current length of the sling. Unlike other slings, the MS1 sling’s design does not rely on a pull-tab, just the polymer unit itself. Even though the MS1 Keeper is easy to grab and adjust because it glides easily, once set, it won’t budge.
Blue Force Gear Kalashnikov Sling (MSRP: $74.95)
Blue Force Gear is well-known for its line of two-point tactical slings meant for modern carbines. The company even offers a model that it designed from the ground up to work with AK-pattern firearms. This American-made AK sling is similar in execution to standard Blue Force Gear slings, but its ends are adapted to easily connect with Kalashnikov rifles. The front end features a molded universal wire loop. This loop which has a thin, coated metal wire is easily looped around the eyelet on an AK handguard retainer (which has historically served as a clipping point for original slings). The rear of this sling simply and easily loops around the sling loop found on AK regardless of its location, as placement can vary by models and stock styles.
Law Tactical A.R.S. Mod Law Sling (MSRP: $69.99)
The Law Tactical A.R.S. Mod Law Sling is the newest model featured in this round-up and also is Law Tactical’s first two-point sling. The webbing material and sliders found on this low-profile sling stay out of the user’s way. Though many two-point slings rely on sturdy polymer sliders and keepers, this sling instead uses low-profile metal hardware. Like other slings, the Law Tactical A.R.S. Mod Law sling relies on a standard pull tab that’s easy to grab from nearly any position so that the wearer can adjust the sling’s length. Law Tactical incorporated the patent-pending Arid Retention Systems as a means to make this sling self-stowing and reduce its overall footprint even more, so the sling stays out of the way. However, the A.R.S. Mod Law’s most distinctive feature is its 300-pound rated on/off buckle that allows the wearer to easily “break in” the A.R.S. Mod Law sling under load.
Ferro Concepts Slingster (MSRP: $58)
The Ferro Concepts Slingster comes standard with a wider but removable shoulder pad. This shoulder pad can help distribute the load in case the slung firearm is heavy, and it also serves as an in-line keeper that retains excess webbing after the end user had adjusted it. However, should the wearer prefer to set their Slingster up in a more streamlined configuration, this pad can simply be slid out from under the webbing and set aside. The Ferro Concepts Slingster also uses a sturdy metal cam buckle that is similar to the VTAC sling listed below.
Viking Tactics Original Sling (MSRP: $44.95)
By now, the Viking Tactics original VTAC sling is considered to be one of the classic tactical two point slings. The VTAC sling is a low-profile unit that doesn’t take up a lot of space and still offers a wide degree of adjustability, especially because it includes two pairs of polymer sliders for either end. These allow the VTAC sling to adapt to almost any firearm while still allowing for cinching up via the main pull tab once in place. The VTAC’s webbing material is made move easier, which makes it comfortable to carry, adjust or move around from shoulder to shoulder. This simple and straightforward sling relies on a sturdy but compact metal cam buckle for final adjustments.
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