Single Point vs Double Point Slings: Which is Better?

Carrying a rifle or shotgun around in your hands can quickly become tiring. Fortunately, you can lighten your load by carrying your gun across your shoulders with a double or single-point sling. Both are great options, but each sling style has unique advantages.

Do you need help picking between single-point vs. two-point sling?

Let us assist you by explaining the differences between a single and double-point sling and revealing each sling style’s pros and cons. By the end, you should have no trouble picking the ideal sling for your weapon.

Single-Point Slings

As the name implies, a single-point sling is a strap that attaches to one point of your gun. The sling consists of a loop that goes over your body, providing you with a hands-free way to carry your gun. The other end of the sling will typically consist of a bungee-style strap that attaches to the gun via a hook.

How to Attach a Single-Point Sling

Most single-point slings attach to the grip of a pistol or the butt of a rifle. That way, when you are not holding the gun, the muzzle will safely point at the ground. You can also find a single-point sling for a shotgun. Since the sling attaches to a shotgun’s butt, you don’t have to worry about it hindering loading or racking your weapon.

Benefits of Using a Single-Point Sling
Single-point slings are easy to use, and you can adapt them to work with various handgun and long gun types. A single-point sling also facilitates transitioning from a long gun to a sidearm.

How?

If your rifle jams or runs out of ammo, you can drop it and draw your sidearm. The dropped weapon will remain secured to your body but fall below your torso, granting you unimpeded movement of your arms.

High-quality single-point slings come with removable attachment points that you can place on the preferred part of your weapon. A good single-point sling will also feature an easy to disengage clip that facilitates detaching your weapon without taking off the sling.

While single-point harnesses function well as unrestrictive slings for a rifle, shotgun, or AR style weapon, the sling type has certain shortcomings. For instance, individuals who own longer weapons may find the muzzle of their weapon hitting the ground, especially when they bend over or crouch.

Also, running or walking with a single-point sling-attached weapon isn’t the most comfortable. That’s because the weapon will bounce around a lot if you don’t hold on to it. Lastly, some users have complained about their attached weapon painfully hitting the genital area when they suddenly drop their gun.

Double-Point Slings
Unlike a single-point sling, a double-point sling attaches to two parts of your weapon. The attachment points are usually around the gun’s base or grip and somewhere on the barrel. Having two connection points eliminates the excessive bouncing and ground dragging issues most people experience with a single-point sling.

However, since it requires two connection points, a double-point sling is unideal for weapons under 13 inches in length. It’s a better fit for long guns over 16 inches long.

How to Attach a Double-Point Sling

The correct way to attach a double-point sling will vary between weapons and slings from different brands. Many shooters choose Quick Detach (QD) mounted slings because they take little space on a gun’s butt and barrel. However, if you prefer, you can opt for a clip-mounted double-point sling.

The rear strap primarily secures your weapon to your body, while the forward sling determines the maneuverability of your attached weapon. If you want superior maneuverability and control, attach the front sling towards the end of the muzzle or rail.

You can make your double-point sling act like a single-point sling by placing the forward strap as far back on the rail as possible. The setup will make the muzzle point downwards when you let go of the gun. However, unlike a single-point sling, the double-point attached weapon will be more stable and less likely to bang against your body.

Benefits of Using a Double-Point Sling

Double-point slings offer secure storage because they attach to a weapon at two different points. If you need to transition to a secondary weapon or need your hands unobstructed, you can sling your double-point attached weapon behind your back.

Note that if you drop the weapon without adjusting the strap slack, it may awkwardly hang in front of you and disrupt your range of movement. High-quality double-point slings come with adjustable straps that allow you to modify the sling’s slack with a single pull.

On long hikes, you can use a double-point sling to carry your long gun on your back. With the proper strap settings, you should be able to pull the weapon from your back quickly and become combat-ready.

Do you prefer hanging your weapon in front for easy access? Since a two-point attached weapon will hang around your torso, you don’t have to worry about it hitting the ground when you bend over or crouch.

Choosing Single vs. Double

You now know the difference between a single and two-point sling, but which one should you choose? To help you pick a winner in the single-point vs. two-point sling contest, we’ve put together questions that you should ask before selecting a sling. Your answers to the following questions will help you select the sling with the most appropriate features:

What Are You Using Your Gun For?

If you use your gun for hunting, you need a sling that gives you quick access to your weapon. A single-point sling is the best option for optimal readiness and accessibility because the weapon is always in front of you and within easy reach. Also, if you need to drop the weapon and use your hands, you can do it without time wasted on extra movements.

While the double-point sling also offers impressive accessibility and readiness, the sling is a better choice for shooters that prioritize comfort. With a double-point sling, you can march long distances and move as you please without your attached weapon getting in the way.

How Much Do You Want to Spend?

You can find various double and single AR sling types at similar price points. The brand and material quality of a single or two-point sling are the factors that usually determine the price. For example, top gun sling brands like Blue Force Gear Vickers, VTAC, and Magpul typically offer pricier products. Also, leather slings are more premium quality and cost more.

If you are on a budget, don’t go for the cheapest sling you can find. The cheapest slings usually have less reliable and durable components. Instead, choose an affordable product with positive customer reviews and features that match your needs.

What Kind of Gun Do You Have?

Heavy or long guns (over 15 inches), such as rifles and shotguns, are ideal for double-point slings. The hands-free convenience of the two-point sling will make hiking, climbing, or performing other activities less of a hassle while carrying such weapons.

AR-15 owners can use single or two-point slings. If your AR-15 doesn’t have places to attach your preferred sling, you can get attachments that facilitate adding the sling of your choice.

You Decide: Single or Double?

If your friends prefer single-point slings, it does not guarantee that you will equally enjoy using one. Before buying a double or single-point sling, you should try both options.

A hands-on experience with both sling types will give you a clearer picture of what will best suit your body type and weapon handling goals. After settling on a sling type, buy one with durable and comfortable materials that deliver the best possible gun-carrying experience.

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