Single Point vs Two-Point Slings

Single Point vs Two-Point Slings

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare single point and two-point slings today. These two types of slings are used on a wide range of firearms and are currently employed by shooters of all types. Slings of either type have also seen widespread use with militaries, law enforcement personnel, and other professional end uses. We are going to define these distinct types of slings while delving into traits, features, and of course, their pros and cons. Without further ado, let’s compare single point slings and two-point slings.

What is a Single Point Sling?

Like the name suggests, a single point sling attaches to one, singular point. This is to say that the sling only uses one piece of hardware to attach to a host firearm. These types of slings utilize a variety of mounting hardware to accommodate different types of firearms and mounts. One can expect to find single point slings with QD swivel, HK hook. Magpul Paraclip, or Blue Force Gear hardware among other means. Slings of this type feature their singular attachment point in addition to a large loop meant for the shooter to wear around their body. Single point slings can easily be adjusted to remove or add slack or adjust the height at which a firearm hangs when not in use. Many single point slings feature hardware which allows for rapid length adjustment. Single point slings are utilized commonly on rifles, shotguns, and subguns. These types of slings are well-suited for use on shorter firearms such as carbines or SBRs as they only require a single mounting point.

What is a Two-Point Sling?

These aptly named slings feature two points of attachment. Typically, one attachment point is further ahead on a firearm while the other is towards the rear of a firearm. In most cases, front sling attachment points are present on handguards or barrel bands while rear ones are often present on stocks or receivers. These types of slings the same types of attachment methods as single point slings do in addition to combined mounting methods. For example, some firearms, such as MP5s, may utilize a HK hook to attach to the front sling loop while body of the sling is threaded through a dedicated slot on the stock. The presence of two attachment points allows for one to adjust tension and slack at two opposing points. Additionally, two-point slings often feature mechanisms which allow for quick length adjustment in the field. Two-point slings are well-suited for use on firearms such as rifles, shotguns, and subguns. Slings of this type can be utilized by nearly any firearm if there are suitable mounting points. Longer firearms such as rifles and shotguns are excellent hosts for two-point slings. Purchase Slings

Pros and Cons: Single Point Slings

Pros:

• More simplified design. These slings only feature a single point of attachment and require less adjustment than their two-point counterparts.
• Single point slings are more optimal than their two-point counterparts for transitioning between strong side and weak side shooting. This is thanks to their simplified design and single point of attachment. Shooters can easily switch between their left or right shoulder with a single point sling without becoming constrained or tangled in a sling.
• Generally, one will not need to do any alterations to ensure a single point sling fits them. This is to say that excess material does not typically need to be trimmed off single point slings to ensure proper and optimal fitment.
• Single point slings require less hardware to get up and running. Many single point slings include mounting hardware from the factory while others do not. This single attachment point only needs to interface with one point on a firearm for proper function. Like sling hardware, some firearms feature factory mounting solutions while others do not and require additional purchases. Put plainly, with a single point sling one is only responsible for one mount on a firearm and a single piece of mounting hardware on the sling itself.

Cons:

• Less secure than their two-point counterparts when it comes to firearm retention. While single point slings certainly retain firearms, these solutions are simply less rigid than slings with two points of attachment. When the shooter is in motion, slings of this type do not hold the firearm as tightly to the shooter as a two-point sling does. This can allow for the firearm to roll over and for the sling to twist under motion.
• Single point slings have fewer points of adjustment than their two-point counterparts. This is to say that one has fewer aspects of the sling that they can tune to their preferences and body type.
• Single point slings cannot be used as a shooting aid in the way that two-point slings can. While two-point slings can function as both a method of retention and a shooting aid, single point slings simply retain firearms.
• Can be more cumbersome to adjust on the fly than their two-point counterparts. While some single point slings may feature quick adjust hardware, placement and manual of operation are simply not as optimal as the mechanisms found on many two-point slings.

Pros and Cons: Two-Point Slings

Pros:

• Due to the two points of attachment, two-point slings provide a more rigid method of firearm retention than their single point counterparts do. This rigidity allows for firearms to stay in place better when the shooter is in motion, resisting the tendency to roll or shift like single point sings.
• Two-point slings have a wider range of adjustment than their single point counterparts do. Adjustments can be made at each point of attachment to ensure that a firearm hangs at an optimal height and has the correct level of tension. Shooters can easily remove excessive slack and benefit from appropriate rigidity with a two-point sling.
• Historically, slings of this type have been used as a shooting aid. Shooters have utilized two-point slings to promote stable shooting positions for centuries. This practice is best done when the two attachment points are at the distant extremities of a firearm. An example would be an M1 Garand with its forward attachment point nearly at the muzzle end of the rifle and the rear attachment point far back on the stock. These two far attachment points promote sling rigidity, allowing a user to wrap the unit around their support arm to promote stability.
• Two-point slings are easier to adjust on the fly than their single point counterparts. Many popular two-point sling models feature distinct adjustment hardware, often with pull tabs, which facilitate fast length adjustment. This allows an end user to immediately provide additional slack or tension should the need arise. Due to the two-point nature of these slings, this adjustment hardware is easily located and accessed on the body of the sling. Adjustments can easily be performed with one’s support hand, allowing for dominant hand firearm retention.

Cons:

• Two-point slings are more complex than their single point counterparts. Slings of this type require more tuning to set them up properly for an end user. This is because one must adjust the slings at two points of attachment rather than just one.
• Two-point slings require deliberate action to properly transition between shoulders. Due to the two points of attachment, one must “swim in” and out of the sling to most efficiently switch shoulders with a sling of this type. Attempts to transition shoulders without deliberate action may result in constrained movement and discomfort. Depending on the tension and length of one’s sling, one may be able to get away with this practice in some cases.
• A shooter may need to make permanent alterations to a two-point sling when they first set it up. This is because some slings are oversized from the factory, allowing them to be utilized on a wide range of firearms. Some sling producers recommend that excess material is cut off and removed after proper fitting is achieved. Due to the permanent nature of this process, some slings may not fit on any other firearms post modification. Additionally, any further adjustment is stunted due to the removal of material. Of course, this is not the case with every two-point sling, but it is present with many designs and should be noted.
• Shooters will need to be responsible for two attachment methods on the sling and two appropriate mounting solutions on a firearm. This means that a shooter may potentially need to purchase more items to get a two-point sling setup up and running if these mounts and hardware are not included on a host firearm or sling.

Potential for Convertibility/Adaptability

Notably, there are some examples of slings which can be run as either a single point or two-point sling. These types of slings are either set up with this function in mind from the factory or can be converted via the addition of specialized hardware. Haley Strategic and Magpul are among the companies who produce convertible slings of this type. These types of slings essentially bridge the gap between and provides the benefits of both types of slings. Purchase Slings

Who Makes Single Point Slings?

Single point slings are currently produced by a wide range of companies. Blue Force Gear, First Spear, Ferro Concepts, and BDS Tactical are among the manufacturers of single point slings. These types of slings can be had at various price points and in various colorways. This is to say that single point slings can be found at all budgets and in colorways which satisfy gear color requirements and preferences. Single point slings can be had with or without hardware, allowing users to acquire ready-to-go options and slick options one can configure themselves.

Who Makes Two-Point Slings?

Two-point slings are produced by many companies in the firearms industry. Edgar Sherman Designs, Blue Force Gear, Ferro Concepts, and Saguaro Slings are among the producers of two-point slings. Two-point slings can be acquired in various colorways and patterns which appeal to personal tastes and fulfil professional equipment requirements. Additionally, slings of this type are available in various price points and configurations. Slick and “naked” slings in addition to budget-oriented offerings make it easy for users to acquire a two-point sling. Like single point slings, these types of slings can be had with and without mounting hardware.

Conclusion

All in all, single point and two-point slings continue to be popular among shooters of all types. Everyone from recreational shooters to professional end users employ slings of either type as they are viable for a wide variety of uses. It is ultimately up to the individual to determine whether a single point or two-point sling is best for their uses. We here at True Shot Ammo carry several sling offerings in addition to our wide range of ammunition for sale. Our inventory of ammo for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you are after a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling or want to buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.