How to Use a Single-Point Sling the Right Way

A loaded rifle or shotgun can weigh six to seven pounds or even more if you add accessories like suppressors and scopes. Seven pounds may not sound like much, but the weight can quickly become uncomfortable after holding it in your arms for hours during a hunting trip or combat training. Fortunately, you can lessen your load and avoid unnecessary strain by using a single-point sling.

A single-point sling is a strap worn across the body for carrying a weapon. It consists of a loop that will go over your shoulder and a tether that will attach to your weapon’s butt or grip. Would you like to learn about how to use a single-point sling? We will tell you all about it, but before that, let’s quickly look at the perks of single-point sling use.

Why Use a Single-Point Sling

Quality single-point slings feature an ergonomic design that guarantees hassle-free weapon carrying. The sling lightens your load, making hiking or moving around with a weapon less strenuous.

Since the sling secures your gun to your body, you can always see your weapon and easily reach it when necessary. With the right single-point sling setup, when you are not holding your weapon, it should dangle in front of you or at your side, the barrel facing downward. The hands-free experience will give you the freedom to engage in other activities.

Easy to Transition from Your Shoulder

Correctly shooting a long gun requires using your shoulder to brace the butt of the weapon. If a shoulder becomes tired or injured during hunting, trap shooting, or target practice, you should be able to transition to the other shoulder with ease. Transitioning between shoulders is much easier if you are using a single-point sling.

Also, a single-point sling helps with transitioning from your attached long gun to a pistol or other secondary weapon. For example, if your rifle runs out of ammo or jams, you can just let go of it and draw your sidearm. When you drop the rifle, it will remain attached to your body but won’t get in the way of reaching for another weapon.

Doesn’t Tangle in Your Gear

The simple design of the single-point sling allows you to wear it quickly. A quality sling will also have adjustable straps that let you modify the sling to fit your body type and needs.

Even better, the versatility of the sling helps when maneuvering your weapon as you please. You never have to worry about your gun tangling up in the single-point sling when moving your weapon around.

While there are several things to love about a single-point sling, the product does have a few shortcomings that you should know. For instance, a single-point sling attached weapon may drag on the ground when you crouch or bend over.

If you do not take precautions, your single-point sling-attached weapon may hit you in a very sensitive area when you let go of your weapon. Fortunately, you can avoid most of these issues with a proper single-point sling setup. Keep reading to learn how to attach and set up a one-point sling.

Step-by-Step for a Single-Point Sling Attachment

Single-point sling instructions regarding attachment and usage are straightforward. Follow our detailed guide below to correctly use your sling correctly:

Step 1: Wear the Loop

Place the loop of the sling over your head. One strap should rest on your dominant shoulder, while the other goes under the arm of your other shoulder. Wearing the strap on your dominant shoulder ensures that your strongest shoulder does most of the heavy lifting.

Step 2: Attach Your Weapon

Connect the sling’s single-point point tether to the grip or base of your weapon. The sling’s attachment mechanism may be a Quick Detach (QD) system or a simple hook. If your weapon does not have provisions for attaching a sling, you can buy one and add it.

Step 3: Adjust the Straps

After hooking up your weapon, adjust the length and setup of the sling to ensure optimal comfort and maneuverability. Note that while wearing the sling on your dominant shoulder, you can transition the butt of your weapon between shoulders without repositioning the loop.

3 Best Single-Point Slings to Try

Buying the cheapest single-point sling you can find is not the best strategy. That’s because such cheap products usually have low-quality components that can fail at the worst moment. The best single-point slings are durable, comfortable, and easy to adjust. You can find slings made with leather or nylon materials, but note that leather single-point slings are pricier.

If you need help finding a top-shelf single-point sling, here are some products with impressive features and customer reviews:

1. Magpul MS4 Sling

Credit: https://magpul.com/The Magpul MS4 is a US-made single-point sling that you can get in black, grey, brown, or ranger green. The sling features a rugged yet comfortable polymer (nylon) strap that you can easily adjust with a low-profile adjustment slider.

The Magpul MS4 Sling also features a push-button QD socket that can connect to a weapon’s endplate, buttstock, handguard, or receiver. The QD Sling Swivels are wear and corrosion-resistant, ensuring secure and reliable weapon attachment. Even better, you can convert the Magpul MS4 Sling into a two-point sling by simply detaching the upper QD D-Ring.

2. UDC Padded Bungee Single-Point Sling

The UDC Padded Bungee Single-Point Sling from Blue Force Gear prioritizes comfort and convenience. It features a Fastex side release buckle that you can unlock or secure with a single movement. The loop consists of a padded strap that can absorb the shock from sudden weapon movement or transitions.

The padded strap also prevents abrasions from wearing the sling for extended periods. Thanks to its versatile design, the UDC Padded Bungee Sling can work with most long guns, including AKs, HKs, ARs, SCARs, and shotguns.

3. Specter Gear MOUT Sling

The MOUT One-Point Sling is another reputable American-made sling. It works with weapons that have receiver-mounted rear sling loops or swivels. Since the sling is ambidextrous, you can use it whether you are right or left-handed.

The MOUT Sling attaches to weapons via a heavy-duty steel hook that you can quickly fasten or detach. If you are on a budget, you will be happy to know that this durable sling costs less than $30.

Try a Single-Point Sling and Take the Weight Off Your Shoulders

Now that you know how to use a single-point sling and the benefits of using this accessory, are you ready to buy one? If so, go for a sling that fits your budget and offers all the features offers you need.

The most important features to look for are a comfortable loop, easy adjustability, and a secure attachment hook. If you intend on walking around a lot with your weapon, consider buying a single-point sling that you can convert into a two-point sling.

Also, before buying a one-point sling, verify that it is compatible with your weapon. If your sling checks all these boxes, you will look great and stay comfortable.

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