M4 Slings

[gaijin6423]

Having just been issued both our MTVs and M4s in preparation for deployment, the subject of slings came up with my 'boss' and a few others early last week. Specifically, we were debating the cost/benefit of 1 pt v. 2pt v. 3pt slings. By random chance, I bumped into both the BLT's Gunner and the Cherry Point range OIC in the same place yesterday, and the three of us had a little talk about it.

The Gunner, with his infantry experience, is sold on the 3pt sling, while the range OIC, who has a PMO/MP SRT background, swears by the 1pt. Both consider a 2pt sling (not the sling arms versions) a close second. Pretty much the only things that they agreed on were that the 'sling arms' versions aren't the best for tactical applications, and that I'm a smart guy for replacing all my magazine followers with Magpull upgrades.

This debate continues over at AR15.com, where no one can seem to agree, either.

I've personally never liked 3pt slings, thanks to me being at least 9% (or less) smarter than them and the heinous amounts of webbing. In addition, I have no need to carry my M4 on long foot patrols where a 3pt would be most useful. Additionally, I've been tapped in the nuts once or twice by a rifle on a 1pt sling, and this, despite the fact that I really like the simplistic design and (for me) fast transition between rifle and pistol, is a huge detractor. I haven't messed too much with the non-issue 2pt slings out there, so I don't really have any basis for comparison.

Does anyone have any suggestions for type/manufacturer/model for someone who has to balance his time between inside a COC-type environment (no body armor), riding in tactical vehicles (with body armor), and working in an expeditionary COC (body armor)?

I'm also going to be carrying a sidearm in a drop leg holster, and while I will hopefully NOT be shooting the rifle dry and transitioning to the M9, it would be nice to have any hangups if I did.

 

[A4sForever]

I susbscribe to many/most of this guy's opinions; try it F.Y.I.:

VICKERS TACTICAL

TACTICAL TIPS: CARBINE SLINGS

 

[gaijin6423]

I've said it before, but truly great minds think alike. That site is actually open right now on my laptop.

I've got a guy who will let me take a couple slings and try them out before I pull the trigger on one of them. I can get the slings on short notice, so I'll snag them before my FAM fire next week. Slings aside, that should be interesting enough, as I've only shot the RCO4 (ACOG 4x32) once before.

 

[Ailen]

I personally used a three-point sling and would suggest it if you're going to be switching between wearing body armor and going without. The transition to pistol is still pretty fast if required. When I was over, I wasn't kicking down doors and having to switch to weak-side shooting so YMMV. I didn't like the one-point loop-type slings, but I did like the one-point hanger-type "sling" if I was using a vest over my IBA.

No experience with the two-point sling, but the Vickers Combat Application Sling looks nice. I remember looking at it before I got a three-point, but had no experience and no time to test it out before deployment.

 

[gaijin6423]

If I were going to be out doing lengthy foot patrols, then I'd probably opt for a 3pt, as it comfortably holds the weapon in an alert carry while distributing the weight nicely. The two specific problems I have with them are how complicated they are and how difficult they are to get on and off, especially while wearing body armor. Sure, lots come with quick disconnects, but you've still got the strap around your torso.

Leaning towards an adjustable 2pt model, and my guy has two in the shop: the Vickers sling, and another one made by LaRue Tactical and Viking. Both are fairly similar, with the exception of the method in which one adjusts them. The Vickers uses a T-shaped buckle thing with a stap made of webbing for adjustments, while the Viking Tactics one has a buckle from an ALICE pack shoulder strap. Both offer quick disconnects.

 

[A4sForever]

If I were going to be out doing lengthy foot patrols, ....

You wouldn't be a Naval Aviator.

Unless you are a FAC ...

 

[skidkid]

I've said it before, but truly great minds think alike. That site is actually open right now on my laptop.

I've got a guy who will let me take a couple slings and try them out before I pull the trigger on one of them. I can get the slings on short notice, so I'll snag them before my FAM fire next week. Slings aside, that should be interesting enough, as I've only shot the RCO4 (ACOG 4x32) once before.

Most of us here opted out of the ACOG, you spend X number of years shooting with the iron sights then you switch to the ACOG after one fam fire in the moment of needing it didnt make much sense. I liked the ACOG on the fam fire but any moving and shooting (what I envision myself doing in an E&E situation) it wasnt as good.

 

[dhorse1500]

Let me start off by saying I have zero combat experience but i was lucky enough to go to Marine Corps IOC and learned a lot from that experience and the mess load of prior enlisted Grunts in that course so ill put my 2 pennies in. I also only used a 16 but feel they are similar enough to speak about the M4 as well. I'll start with slings, my best buddy with a combat tour as an 0311 swears up and down about three point slings. I mostly used the three point but dabbled with the 1 point. I ditched the 1 point quick because i found it to be a pain in the butt swinging around and beating the living out of my knee. Im not sure how it would work with a sidearm I envision it getting in the way big time but have never worn a sidearm with the 1 point. With the one point you are obviously carrying your weapon the whole time which is a pain but i guess if you arnt patroling it may not even matter.
As for the ACOG, I again was fortanate to get a mess load of time behind one and they are incredible it is near impossible to miss with a correctly BZO'd or boresited RCO. Wether you are stationary or hooking and jabing they are flithy accurate, it did take a bit of getting used to but they are awesome. Hope that helps.

 

[gaijin6423]

My SNCOIC is recently back from a security forces tour, and he echoed what you just said. He also complained that the RCO tended to lose its BZO after only a few 'mild bumps'. I have shot with the thing before, but my experience is limited to a hastily-entered competition that I borrowed a rifle for. The good thing is that both the ACOG and iron sights are part of the SL3 gear for the M4s we got, so I'll have both.

 

[Ailen]

I already chimed in on this, but by chance I took out an HK416 (BTW 10.5" barrel and very nice. I want one of my own.) today. The armorer gave me a choice of no sling at all or a single-point and I figured, "Why not take the sling? It'll be better than carrying it around all day." In hindsight, I think my knees and other parts of my body would have preferred having it in hand the whole time. I spent more time trying to control the weapon than doing anything else.

Let me know how the two-point sling goes.

 

[gaijin6423]

Tried out two slings last Friday, and I decided to opt for Larry Vickers' version. It was easily the better of the two that I tried, and that was mainly due to the different adjustment buckles.

Edit: I have some pics of the sling by itself and on my weapon, but I don't have time to black out faces and names right now, as I'm outbound in < 48 hrs.

 

[A4sForever]

Tried out two slings last Friday, and I decided to opt for Larry Vickers' version. It was easily the better of the two ..... I'm outbound in < 48 hrs.

Good man; good job. I think they're the best as well. I'm currently replacing 4 of my "brand X's" with those ...

Best of luck "outbound". Stay safe and ALWAYS have your head on a swivel.

Check Six.

 

[FMRAM]

Good man; good job. I think they're the best as well. I'm currently replacing 4 of my "brand X's" with those ...

Best of luck "outbound". Stay safe and ALWAYS have your head on a swivel.

Check Six.

Replacing 4?! Some men have all the toys.

 

[A4sForever]

Replacing 4?! Some men have all the toys.

Don't get me started ...