Best AR-15 Slings

It’s the details that often make or break the project, and that includes your AR-15 build. We all know the trigger, grip, and stock can make or break your build, but a good sling is usually an afterthought until you get to the range and realize you hate the one you bought. Maybe that’s you now, but hopefully, you’re researching ahead of time. For this article, I’ve talked with several AR-15 enthusiasts and former military and law enforcement members and tested some of the best AR-15 slings.

The following slings kept coming up during my research and discussions, or are what I currently use on one of my ARs.

Top 5 AR-15 Slings

Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC Sling – Best Overall

Specs:

• Width: 1.25”
• Materials: Nylon
• Sling Type: 2-Point
• Colors: Black, Blaze Orange, Coyote, O.D. Green, Foliage Green, White, and Multi-Cam

Pros:

• Simple, Tried & True Design
• Padded
• Durable
• Reasonably Priced
• Made In The USA

Cons:

• Doesn’t Come With Attaching Devices

Why I Chose It

I love the simplistic yet effective design of the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC sling because it’s durable and reasonably priced (compared to other quality AR-15 slings).

The simple design makes installing and adjusting it straightforward, which is excellent for the range, shooting competitions, or hunting. As a hunter, I appreciate the padded strap for the additional comfort while lugging my AR through the woods.

The friction-resistant nylon will ensure it lasts much longer than cheaper knockoffs that don’t use high-quality materials. I was also impressed with its reasonable cost. It’s not the most expensive sling on this list, and I don’t understand the sentiment of getting a cheap sling for a beloved firearm.

However, the cost will increase because it doesn’t come with quick attach/detach swivels, so be prepared to purchase them to install your sling.

It’s tough to argue why the Viking Tactics Padded V-TAC sling shouldn’t be the best AR-15 sling because it’s simple, durable, and reasonably priced (even when you buy the attachments).

Specs:

• Width: 1.25”
• Materials: Nylon, Injection Molded Rubber, and Stainless Steel
• Sling Type: 2-Point
• Colors: Multicam, Multicam Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Black, and Wolf Grey

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Simple Design
• Quality Components
• Reasonably Priced

Cons:

• Hardware Not Included

Why I Chose It

The Ferro Concepts Slingster is a close second (truly a toss-up) because it’s made in the USA, has a simple but effective design, and is reasonably priced.

The Slingster has a removable pad, so if you’re not a fan of it, you’re not stuck with it. All the materials are high-quality, so you can expect years of use from this sling. I’m incredibly impressed with the injection molded rubber Pull Tab because it makes it incredibly easy to adjust the length of the sling.

It’s also very reasonably priced (the simple design keeps prices lower than expected), but that is also because it doesn’t come with the attachment hardware. So, be sure to grab your preferred attachment hardware when you buy this sling.

Many shooters love the Ferro Concepts Slingster because of its simple but highly effective design, reasonable price, and durability. 

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Gen2 – Best Single-Point Sling

I own the Magpul MS4 Dual QD Gen2 sling because it’s versatile, durable, and has everything you need to attach to your AR-15.

Magpul is known for making quality gear for shooting enthusiasts (especially the AR-15), so I knew I could trust this sling to hold up for years of use. The quality materials also back up that claim, and I have no complaints about it fraying or any of the parts breaking. The MS1 Slider makes adjusting the slings length a breeze with one hand.

This was the first quality sling I purchased for my AR (I’ve bought cheap ones in the past), so I appreciated that it came with everything I needed to mount it to my rifle. It’s also versatile, so you don’t have to purchase separate slings if you want a single-point and a two-point sling.

However, it is slightly more expensive despite not having a pad like several of the others that made the list. I don’t find it uncomfortable, even during long days at the range.

Specs:

• Width: 1.25”
• Materials: DuPont Zytel Nylon, CORDURA webbing, Anodized machined aluminum, and Phosphate steel
• Sling Type: Two-Point
• Colors: Kryptek Highlander, Kryptek Typhon, Multicam Black, Multicam Arid, Multicam Tropic, and Safety Orange

Pros:

• Trusted By Military & Police
• Quality Components
• Padded
• Durable

Cons:

• Doesn’t Come With Attachment Hardware
• Expensive

Why I Chose It

The Blue Force Gear Vickers sling came highly recommended by my military and law enforcement buddies because it uses quality components and is padded and durable.

The Vickers sling has a simple design, and the Quick Adjuster contrasting pull tab allows the sling to adjust from transporting to fighting mode lightening fast.

It’s constructed of high-quality, durable materials, so it will last years.

Despite lacking the needed attachment hardware, this AR-15 sling is the most expensive on the list. When you purchase the sling, you have the option of plastic or metal adjuster/ triglides. The metal ones are more expensive, but I would be happy to pay the extra for the durability of metal.

The Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Sling is perfect for the shooters who are constantly at the range, using their ARs to defend this country, or protecting the peace.

Specter Gear AR-15 CQB 3-Point Sling – Best Three-Point Sling

Specs:

• Width: 1.25”
• Materials: Nylon
• Sling Type: Three-Point
• Colors: Black, Olive Drab, and Coyote Tan

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Versatile
• Reasonably Priced

Cons:

• Not Great for Crossover Transitions
• 3-Point Slings Are Much Less Popular

Why I Chose It

The Specter Gear AR-15 CQB 3-Point sling is a versatile AR-15 sling that’s very reasonably priced.

Specter Gear makes this sling in the USA, and I love supporting USA-made products and companies. Although it’s one of the least expensive options on this list, that doesn’t mean it lacks quality.

Many shooters love their Specter Gear CQB 3-point sling, but you must regularly practice transitions to ensure you know how to properly use it if you’re forced to defend yourself or your family.

If you’re searching for an excellent three-point sling, the Specter Gear AR-15 CQB 3-Point Sling is the one you need to check out.

Buying Guide: Padded Vs. Unpadded

Once you’ve decided between a single-point, two-point, or three-point sling, the other consideration is padded vs. unpadded. Hunters and shooters who do not regularly transition their AR-15 often prefer the padded slings just for the little extra cushion they provide.

However, padded slings tend to snag on your gear, which is why some law enforcement agencies and military personnel avoid padded slings at all costs. I recommend choosing performance over comfort (especially when your life depends on it), which is why I gave a mix of both. A few slings listed above give you the option of padded or unpadded.

Parting Shots: Best AR-15 Slings

Adding a quality sling to your AR-15 is critical. I didn’t realize what I was missing until I traded in my cheap slings for a better quality one. So, I strongly recommend you do the same, and the five AR-15 slings on this list are an excellent place to begin and end your search.

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