Hunting Slings: A Detailed Guide for First-Time Buyers

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Rifle slings are handy tools that help your rifle, training rifle, or airsoft gun work perfectly for you. A gun sling can be a support tool that allows you to keep your aim steady. If you're a first-time buyer and want to learn more about hunting slings, this guide will give you a great insight.

Why Use a Gun Sling?

Using a gun sling helps lighten the load by distributing some of the weight onto your body, usually your shoulders. This can really help cut down on arm fatigue. It’s a super convenient way to carry your firearm, making it easier to switch to your sidearm when needed. Plus, you can position your gun in front or on the side, which frees up your hands for other tasks. If you’re climbing or need to maneuver, you can even sling it on your back.
Additionally, a gun sling can serve as a support tool, helping to steady your aim and better absorb recoil.

Types of Gun Slings

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Hunting or gun slings generally fall into three main categories: 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point slings. So, what’s the difference?
1-point slings attach to your weapon at a single point. 2-point slings connect at two points. 3-point slings also attach at two points but include an extra loop that goes around your body, making your body the third point of support.

1-Point Gun Slings

These hunting slings offer the most flexibility since they attach at just one point to your weapon. This setup makes it super easy to switch shoulders, which is a big plus in close-quarters combat situations.
You can find 1-point slings with either a loop or a MOLLE attachment, letting you carry it on the back of your vest or plate carrier. Just remember, if you go for the MOLLE version, the weight will rest on one shoulder, which might create some discomfort during long use.

AR Holster Sling

This is where the AR holster sling, or storage sling, comes into play. (You can even make something similar with Para-cord.) When you attach this extra sling to the weak side of your belt or carrier, it acts as a retention device for your weapon. This means no more flopping around, no discomfort in your groin area, and you get to keep your hands free for climbing or other activities.

The Tac Sling

Another option in the 1-point sling family is the “tac sling,” which is great for discreet carry or easy access in and around vehicles. It’s designed to hide submachine guns under a jacket or in backpacks while still allowing for a quick draw when you need it.

2-Point Gun Slings

A 2-point sling is great because you can carry it hands-free without your weapon swinging around. It lets you keep your gun on your back, which is super handy for climbing and other activities.
When you need to switch from your primary to secondary weapon, it naturally falls to the side, so you won’t have to deal with any awkward hits down there.
On the downside, switching shoulders can be a bit tricky. You can switch shoulders with a 2-point sling by either:
•    Taking it off
•    Pulling your non-dominant arm out of the loop
•    If it’s long enough, you might be able to switch shoulders directly without the sling getting in your way.

Hybrid Slings

If you’re still undecided between a 1-point or 2-point sling, hybrid options are available that let you use both styles. This way, you can experiment and see what feels best for you.

3-Point Gun Sling

3-point slings aren’t really popular these days, and there are a few reasons for that. Let’s break down the pros and cons. They offer a lot of stable carrying positions that keep your weapon out of the way while you’re on the move. One of these is the “climbers carry,” which lets you carry your rifle vertically on your back—perfect for climbing or travelling.

However, they can be pretty impractical when it comes to handling. The extra material can cover your controls and lead to weapon malfunctions.
Plus, if you’re carrying radios, backpacks, or other gear, you might find yourself struggling more with the 3-point sling than actually benefiting from it. Shoulder transitions are also a hassle unless you opt for a hybrid system that can convert to a 1-point sling.

Extra Options for 1-Point, 2-Point and Hybrid Slings

One thing to consider is the padding and width of the sling. Padded or wider slings make it easier to carry your gear for longer stretches or handle heavier weapons since the weight is spread out more evenly across your shoulder. On the flip side, slim sling designs can dig into your shoulder after a while, but they let you attach your sling to the stock with a rubber band. This is handy when you need to set it aside temporarily, like when you're in a vehicle.
Another popular feature is the inclusion of bungee cord sections in the sling. This helps push your weapon into your shoulder for a steadier aim and better recoil control. Quick-release systems have also become a go-to option for 1-point slings. They let you detach your weapon from your body in a snap by just unbuckling it.