Slings

How to choose the right sling

One-point slings - these types of slings mount at a single point, usually at the back of the airsoft gun with a loop of strap going over your shoulder. This is the simplest of the slings and meant for short term usage where retention is somewhat important but not crucial to where it needs to be firmly secured. This is best used for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) as it is the fastest for transitions between your left and right shoulder. It isn't ideal for lots of walking/patrolling with your automatic electric gun hanging from the sling as it typically puts the muzzle of the rifle around your shin/knee level.  

Two-point slings - this is a common type and most traditional old school sling. Two-points means it mounts at two locations. This type of sling functions as a simple strap which you would use by slinging the rifle over your shoulder/back. Certain makers have improved upon this design with their own features to add features like the ability to quickly adjust lengths to keep the rifle in close and tight, loose to be able to transition between shoulders, and somewhere in between for a hasty sling shooting position for improved stability of the rifle.  These are also very good to use with airsoft sniper rifles.

Three-point slings - not seen as much these days but still another type of sling that offers unique advantages. This type is constructed more like a harness system and the three points where the sling is mounted is the front and rear of the weapon, and your body. Retention is really good and the gun is still accessible at the front of the body and hanging off while your hands are free to perform other tasks. Transitioning to the gun is quick because the gun is right in front of you hanging down your torso. There is a lot of material though so with most designs you can easily transition from strong side to weak side if need be.

Q & A:

Q: What sling is right for me?

A: If you see yourself playing very short games or in something very fast paced, a single-point sling is plenty adequate for the task. You can still lower your weapon and have it dangle as you switch to a secondary gun like your airsoft pistol or require both hands to perform a task. For a game where you maybe walking or patrolling a lot with less CQB, a two point sling would be more comfortable and better for this type of game play typically found at military simulation (MilSim) games/events.

Q: How do I mount a sling to my rifle?

A: First you have to identify if you have any mounting points for a sling on your rifle. If you have none or the ones you have are not compatible with the slings you are looking at, then you might have to get adapters or add-ons to your gun that will provide you with a mounting solution. Slings can be mounted several ways: by running the strap through the loops on the gun, quick detach loops, u-loops, and mash hooks.  EVERY gun has a solution to attach a sling.  

Q: How do Quick Detach (QD) sling loops work?

A: These have buttons with springs and ball detents built in and a standard sized socket that allows this type of loop to be universally compatible with the many newer guns that are equipped with QD sockets from the factory. The sling will usually be installed to the push button QD swivel and is easier to remove the sling from the gun by not requiring you to weave the sling through a slot and then through some buckles.