What is the best type of sling for the home defense tactical rifle?

[SCinPNW]

I just purchased a Mamba Combat Fighting Sling for our AR15 and although it seems like a really good sling (I just installed it.) I am wondering if it is the best solution for our purposes of home defense/bug out if needed. Also, my knowledge of this gun is very limited as I have only been out shooting with it once, hence the reason I am signed up for an urban rifle class.

For those of you with an opinion, I am interested in hearing your opinion and the reasons behind your opinion.

Thanks in advance!
SC

[Grand58742]

I've used a Mamba for some years and think it's about the best (IMO) three point on the market. I prefer the three points for when I'm carrying a secondary pistol since I can put it "off to the side" while transitioning. But there are some that frankly suck and others that rock. In my opinion, the Mamba rocks.

But to each their own. Some folks like the Wolf Point (some for the utility, others for the Look Cool factor), others like the standard two point sling. To each their own and I would have to say try a few of them and figure out which one suits you the best.

[Spock]

you.ve opend up a big can of worms with this post believe it or not.

ok typing instead.

the bigger picture is you are taking a class with a weapon system thats basically untested. the very short answer to your question is "yes" the real answer is alot long so here it is.

The sling is a small part of the overall weapon system. The 1st time I did tactical training with a rifle (an AR-15 FYI) i used a 3 point sling. it took my about 5 minutes to hate it. the damn side strap interfers with everything for one.

Here is whats going to happen at your class:

You are going to find out quickly the flaws in your weapon system. I'm not bashing your AR-15. the rifle is just one component of that system. the system constitutes the rifle, ammo,mags, optics/sites/THE USER, and the users gear such as slings, chest rig, war belt, secondary weapon, and other gear.

since you are inexperienced with the rifle and I assume tactical shooting/training you are going to run into alot of things you find that won't work for well. Thats OK infact thats great! better to find out now whats working for YOU than later when you actually have to use the system.

now lets go over sling 1st. the mamba can be configured as a 1 point 2 point or 3 point. try each configuration out. Personally I like the 2 point. however it has its draw backs. it can be more difficult to transition to left side with a two point. also the two point sling can get caught up inside a vehicle on things like the gear shift lever, the ebrake, and the steering wheel (ask me how i know)

1 points solve those issues but suck for carrying the rifle around and using the sling for a shooting aid, which the 2 point does well. a 1 point also lets the rifle flop around when transitioned to secondary banging into such things as legs and knees.

you want to get the most out of this class. you are spending good money to be there and your time.

1. have good KNOWN WORKING MAGS. a class or a competion is not a good time to find out your mags down work. since its an ar-15 any good GI type mag with anti tilt followers or mag pul p or e mags should work well but take them out and TEST them before the class.

2. good ammo. a class is not the place to find out your rifle doesn't run tula .223. q3131 or 3131a, federal xm193, pmc bronze are all good ammo choices. find out what your rifle runs good on BEFORE THE CLASS.

these are listed as #1 and #2 because they are the most important.

3. make sure your secondary is working. take it, its mags, and ammo out and make sure its running BEFORE the class.

4. have some gear but don't go crazy and spend a large $$$ on the gear for the rifle. chances are you'll see or experience what works well for you there at the class. gear is always an on going evolution of equipment so don't get tore up over what to get. you might find a surplus USGI FLC and the basic SDS pouchs that go with it work great.

5. have a good holster for the pistol. nothing worse than shooting around a barricade being told to transition to secondary and find you lost your pistol or can't get it out of the holster. i've seen it happen.

6. bring a weapons maintenance kit and make sure its properly stocked. nothing more embarrassing than begging off a bottle of hoppes because you didn't check your kit as closely as you should have (ask me how i know) make sure that kit contains tools for your weapons.

7. wear a good hat. the tacticool crowd likes ball caps. I think they are garbage. ball caps are meant to shade the sun in the front for base ball players. they do nothing for your ears or the back of your neck. I like boonie hats instead.

8. bring food, snacks, AND GATORAID. you're gonna need it.

[SCinPNW]

Oh dear Spock, I honestly did not mean to open a can of worms. :) However, I will look forward to seeing your video and learning about what you have found to work or not work.

Thanks Grand for your response too. I did do some research before actually purchasing the Mamba and found many favorable reviews, hence my decision to go ahead and purchase it. I also found this article which I thought was interesting and helpful as well: http://demigodllc.com/articles/tactical-slings/?p=1

I have spent quite a bit of time with training, practicing, and learning all about handguns, however, it is time I now focus on the long guns. And as I mentioned, I am signed up for a class and I want to get our AR ready for class, as well as spend some time on the range making sure it is not going to fail me during the class. Anyway, I am looking forward to any discussion that follows and learning from all of you who are more knowledgeable.

Thanks again,
SC

[Grand58742]

Spock does bring up a good point. Many if not most 3 points end up covering a mag pouch or two or three, etc and the strap can be a hindrance. They do have their drawbacks in the way they are designed. I suppose I've just learned to work around them for the most part since it's mandated we have the 3 points on our carbines at work.

But certainly, certainly, absolutely without fail listen to his advice! You don't get much better than that.

[SCinPNW]

Wow, great info Spock, thank you! My rifle class is a 3-day all ladies class, it is actually not until next year. However, I am trying to get the rifle ready and then spend some time with it on the range with some friends so that I feel more comfortable with it. The mags that I have for it are the MagPul PMag 223 w/ window. These were recommended to me by my father-in-law. I do not have a chest rig, however, I am not sure I need it for this class--I will have to ask. As for the ammo, the class has ammo requirements so I will have to test out some of the ammo that falls within their requirements.

As for my secondary weapon, I have a very good belt and holster from Kramer Leather. I have also used my secondary weapon in several defensive handgun classes with no problems whatsoever with my handgun--now if i can have the same experience with the AR that would be great, but who knows. In rereading your post as I type this, one question that comes to mind with regards to my secondary weapon, does the style of holster for the secondary gun matter? I have two handguns, a tactical model and a subscompact and both holsters are on the belt at the waist.

As for optics, the class description says I can have low powered or dot type optics, but must have iron sites available. Currently all I have is iron sites, but I have considered purchasing an Aimpoint--although I don't think it is really necessary for the class.

Also, I will be taking their conceal carry class next month so if there is anything specific I need to ask regarding the urban rifle class I can do so.

Good point on the hat, I will have to pick up a boonie hat. At the class they hand out baseball style hats, but as you said they do not offer very good coverage. Plus the location of the class is at a higher elevation so brighter sun and all.

And you are right about testing the gun learning about its flaws and what not. I participated in an all ladies shooting league for almost 3 years and witnessed lots of problems with lots of different types of guns. Thankfully my handguns have never had any problems. As for the AR, I cannot say since I really do not know anything about it, but if it is going to be problematic I want to know so that I can figure out how to fix it or switch to a different platform. For now, this is a place to start. :)

Thank you again for all of the great info!
SC

P.S. Hopefully one day I can live up to my avatar. :)

[RunAndGun]

It has been a while since I have decided on and exclusively used the old canvas M1A1 style slings, so the Mamba 3 point sling might be the neatest thing since sliced bread. But, the first time I got tied up like I was in a straight jacket with my rifle and sling by the instructor at a carbine class, the other deficiencies of the 3 point system that I had figured out for myself came home.

I like the two point system and the adjustable Garand/M1A1 style because it is simple, cheap, works for carrying the rifle as well as a shooting aid. You dont have the transition from one side to the other issues like you do with a 3 point.

The hands free, instant transition features of a 3 point sling can be easily obtained by the following AND you wont get trussed up like a chicken if someone happens to get close enough to grab your rifle and try to tie you up with it:

Attach a break away plastic d ring to the strap of your LBV, LBE, Camelback, Daypack, a little less than shoulder high on your weak side. If plastic D rings are unavailable, use a plastic zip tie to attach a metal D ring to the same place. 50lb test is about right to enable a break away function and still keep it secure. Clip the sling through the D ring. You will be able to use the 2point sling conventionally as well as just drop the weapon to go hands on or transition to your side arm. If you need to get out of it, the plastic d ring or zip tie will break away in an emergency.

[RunAndGun]

It has been a while since I have decided on and exclusively used the old canvas M1A1 style slings, so the Mamba 3 point sling might be the neatest thing since sliced bread. But, the first time I got tied up like I was in a straight jacket with my rifle and sling by the instructor at a carbine class, the other deficiencies of the 3 point system that I had figured out for myself came home.

I like the two point system and the adjustable Garand/M1A1 style because it is simple, cheap, works for carrying the rifle as well as a shooting aid. You dont have the transition from one side to the other issues like you do with a 3 point.

The hands free, instant transition features of a 3 point sling can be easily obtained by the following AND you wont get trussed up like a chicken if someone happens to get close enough to grab your rifle and try to tie you up with it:

Attach a break away plastic d ring to the strap of your LBV, LBE, Camelback, Daypack, a little less than shoulder high on your weak side. If plastic D rings are unavailable, use a plastic zip tie to attach a metal D ring to the same place. 50lb test is about right to enable a break away function and still keep it secure. Clip the sling through the D ring. You will be able to use the 2point sling conventionally as well as just drop the weapon to go hands on or transition to your side arm. If you need to get out of it, the plastic d ring or zip tie will break away in an emergency.

[protus]

ive used all 3 styles.

i love the OSOE single bungee for indoors, cars, when i know i gotta grapple with jonhhy bad guy
I hate it when i have to lug my rifle or stand with it for long periods of time.

i run an OSOE 2 point and also a OSOE convertible ( does 1 and 2 point).
The 2 point rocks out with its,,um tag end out..when long huals, supported shooting etc is needed. sucks indoors, or transistions that require you to "un hand" your firearm.
The convertible allows me the best both worlds. So its on my rifle now. The 2 point on my bolt gun and the single point in reserve for a second rifle ( i wanna geta under folder for a truck gun/back up main rifle).

there's a ton of what works for one ,,,doesnt for the other as well with gear choices.
If your sling does all 3. then try them all 3 out like spock pointed out.
But i think you'll toss outt he 3pt idea and stick with one of the others...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I dont sling if i'm in CQC such as a tight house. To many times things have gone to ground H2H or made me work thru tight unorodox spaces where slings are impractical and I dont have time to unsling.
I really dont have ananswer for outside because all have good/bad points. Find what works with you and your style/AO of fighting.

[SCinPNW]

RunandGun, Protus, and Matt, great points! I can see I definitely have to play around with this and see what works and does not work. I also just watched the P.A.W. video on the OSOE single bungee sling, that was helpful as well. As for the CQC in a house that makes sense that a sling might become a problem. LOL, I think this is why I have avoided delving into the long gun stuff because there seems to be so many more options and variables then with handguns. In all honesty, I would be happy just to have someone say "SC, here this is what you need." and go with it, but I know that is not the right answer as well. {Sigh} off for more reading and research.

Thanks again guys, I really do appreciate it!
SC

[RobertJ]

You have made the first most important step... your getting training, good on ya...
With this class and advanced classes afterwards, you are going to find out what works for you and what dose not. All the above posts are spot on with the slings et all, more better then I could ever write down. I have boxes of equipment, holsters/slings/sites/magazines/shingles/vests/belts/hearing protection/eyes/etc.stored away. I saw them,and thought wow thats cool gotta have it. Bought it and practiced with it and got that ummmm....this is a piece of junk sinking feeling. As stated... better to find out now rather then when the stuff hits what works and what dose not.
As for classes and what to bring... dont be "That Guy" and show up with every gizmo attached to the weapon and yourself. (There is usuallly one at every class). Know how to use/function everything you bring as well. and for the love of Pete if you have anything that is battery opperated bring spares for every type needed even if you just put fresh ones in.
Before I started teaching Basic classes years back (NRA certified Instructor) and was attendingclases for myself I always brought extra Ammo/water/food/batteries/raingear etc with me to share with any class mates that forgot or did not bring enough. I have been to several classes that the ammo count went well over the required ammounts, and some classmates ran out, these were advanced classes not basics. A shared mag or bottle of water/sports drink goes a long way in new friendships.
Enjoy your class and let us know how it went.

[Rmplstlskn]

As for slings, I like SIMPLE, but functional. The majority consensus is between single-point and two-point slings, at each have pros and cons. Personally, I have a two-point that works somewhat like a single-point due to the mounting points...
I use a Vickers Combat Sling (2-point) that is mounted on my AR at both ends of the RECEIVER, which is at the rail right next to the front of the receiver and the other point is at a receiver plate at the rear end of my receiver. This placement allows better transition control than a single-point yet still allows fast, simple shoulder transitions from left or right as needed, which has always been the single-points main benefit. And if it just hangs down, it places the weapon in a good spot and the sling does not get in the way much (any strap anywhere will get in the way of something).

As for training classes with an AR platform, the one thing I have learned to be "GOSPEL TRUTH," and has been proven over and over again, is AR's like to be run WET! That means plenty of OIL on the bolt carrier and on the bolt... Have a small bottle of oil in your pocket to periodically drops some more drops of oil through the ejection port. Expert shooters have shown over and over that many failures are directly caused by DRY AR's...

[rgkeller]

No sling for home defense

Maybe no sling at all, depending on your "tactical" intentions.

[Spock]

Wow, great info Spock, thank you! My rifle class is a 3-day all ladies class, it is actually not until next year. However, I am trying to get the rifle ready and then spend some time with it on the range with some friends so that I feel more comfortable with it. The mags that I have for it are the MagPul PMag 223 w/ window. These were recommended to me by my father-in-law. I do not have a chest rig, however, I am not sure I need it for this class--I will have to ask. As for the ammo, the class has ammo requirements so I will have to test out some of the ammo that falls within their requirements.

As for my secondary weapon, I have a very good belt and holster from Kramer Leather. I have also used my secondary weapon in several defensive handgun classes with no problems whatsoever with my handgun--now if i can have the same experience with the AR that would be great, but who knows. In rereading your post as I type this, one question that comes to mind with regards to my secondary weapon, does the style of holster for the secondary gun matter? I have two handguns, a tactical model and a subscompact and both holsters are on the belt at the waist.

As for optics, the class description says I can have low powered or dot type optics, but must have iron sites available. Currently all I have is iron sites, but I have considered purchasing an Aimpoint--although I don't think it is really necessary for the class.

Also, I will be taking their conceal carry class next month so if there is anything specific I need to ask regarding the urban rifle class I can do so.

Good point on the hat, I will have to pick up a boonie hat. At the class they hand out baseball style hats, but as you said they do not offer very good coverage. Plus the location of the class is at a higher elevation so brighter sun and all.

And you are right about testing the gun learning about its flaws and what not. I participated in an all ladies shooting league for almost 3 years and witnessed lots of problems with lots of different types of guns. Thankfully my handguns have never had any problems. As for the AR, I cannot say since I really do not know anything about it, but if it is going to be problematic I want to know so that I can figure out how to fix it or switch to a different platform. For now, this is a place to start. :)

Thank you again for all of the great info!
SC

P.S. Hopefully one day I can live up to my avatar. :)

before you spend money on the aimpoint learn the rifle 1st. also if you have the spare change for an aimpoint spend that money on a spare parts like a complete bolt and carrier, firing pin, LPK, etc AND AMMO. i was talking to a kid who wanted to get an AK-74. kid says "i wanna get a 74 with an aimpoint" my response was "5.45 is $130 a case. the money for an aimpoint buys 4 cases of ammo...the rifle will work with out the aimpoint but it won't work without ammo"

now if you want to spend a little coin on a hard ware upgrade for that AR i would suggest a magpul BAD lever. it clamps to your existing bolt catch and allows you to run the bolt with your trigger finger and also allows you to lock the bolt back without doing a wierd hand dance in the event of a double feed.

also since you have a few months before the class i would suggest you attend an Appleseed shoot. its not tactical training but they will teach you the fundamentals of marksmanship.