10 Best AR-15 Slings

If you’re going to take your AR-15 anywhere but the shooting range, a sling is your most important accessory. It’s also one of the most overlooked ones.

People will spend a small fortune on extra magazines, red dot sights, modified grips, or new stock. Throw all of those accessories on your AR, and you’ve got a gun that weighs 10 pounds. On a day-long hunting trip, your arm will be screaming before noon just from carrying that beast.

We’ve set out to find the best AR-15 sling on the market. To do this, we’ve looked at several factors: comfort, versatility, durability, length, ease of mounting, and price. In the end, we settled on 10 slings that could be considered “the best” depending on what you’re looking for.

Best AR-15 Slings

1. Vickers Combat

The Vickers Combat is made specifically to function in the most demanding conditions.

Key Features

• Military-grade webbing
• Available in six colors
• High quality plastic buckles
• Padding available in some colors

The Vickers Combat Applications sling was developed with the help of former Delta Force member Larry Vickers. The philosophy of the design is that it needs to be tough, durable, and stay at the length you’ve set it to, no matter whether you’re switching shoulders or dropping your gun to move quickly.

The sling is woven from 1 ¼-inch military spec nylon webbing. It’s available in six colors, but we recommend one of the two Multicam options since they have a comfortable, padded shoulder strap. You’ll pay a little extra for these, but the other colors have a bare shoulder strap, which will dig into your shoulder in a hurry.

The strap is adjustable on either end but has a limited range of adjustment and no quick-adjust. That could be an issue for some users, but others will be happy with the added strength of a more secure adjusting system.

While you can use the ends of the strap for a simple pigtail attachment, you’ll probably prefer to use proper mounting hardware. The Vickers is compatible with aftermarket hardware, but none is included with the package. Keep this in mind when making your purchase.

Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Connects to any kind of mounting hardware

Cons

• Mounting hardware sold separately
• Limited adjustment

This is a no-nonsense AR-15 sling that can take a beating like few others.

2. S2Delta

The S2Delta is an extra-long, highly adjustable AR sling.

Key Features

• 1-inch webbing at weapon connections
• Multiple weapon connections available
• 2-inch shoulder strap
• One-handed adjustment strap

The S2 Delta Premium 2 Point Rifle Sling is woven from military-spec webbing that’s tough enough to stand up to years of use in the field. It has a 2-inch shoulder strap, which connects with plastic clips to narrower, 1-inch straps where the sling connects to your weapon.

The default straps connect by looping through your gun, but there are a variety of other connections available from the manufacturer. These include a push-button quick-detach, a locking stud swivel, and an HK style steel hook.

While the S2 is designed to be used as a 2 point sling, there’s a D ring on the strap that can be connected to one end, essentially turning it into a 1 point sling.

This sling is one of the longest we’ve seen. It’s adjustable from 41 inches up to 60 inches, long enough for even LeBron James to use.

An adjustment can be done on 2 parts of the sling, either on the 2-inch webbing, or using the 1-inch quick adjust for one-handed adjustment on the fly. The only thing we didn’t like was the lack of padding on the wide part of the webbing, which can dig into your neck on a long hike.

Pros

• Fits any type of mounting hardware
• Can be used as a 2 point or 1 point sling
• Tough and durable
• Long enough for even the tallest users
• Easy to adjust

Cons

• Uncomfortable
• Weapon connections sold separately

This may just be the best AR-15 2 point sling available for very tall people.

3. TLO Outdoors

The TLO Outdoors is well designed for any rifle or crossbow, including the AR-15.

Key Features

• All-metal hardware
• Includes 20 feet of paracord
• Non-paracord section is tough nylon webbing
• Swivel mounts included
• Available in 5 colors

The TLO Outdoors Paracord Gun Sling is a bit of a hybrid. The top section, which goes over your shoulder, is woven from 20 feet of paracord. Compressing all this length into 17 inches of strap makes a nice, cushy pad that doubles as an emergency paracord supply.

The paracord itself is rated at 550 pounds, strong enough to support you, a full field bag, and your rifle, with plenty of weight to spare. The rest of the strap is standard, 1-inch nylon webbing.

All the hardware on this sling is black coated steel, and basic swivel mounts are included. If you prefer a different kind of mount, you’ll need to buy it separately. Steel hardware has its own costs and benefits. On the one hand, it’s stronger than plastic hardware. On the other hand, it can be noisy, so you’ll have to decide which is more important to you.

This AR sling is available in five different colors and has a single point of adjustment. That said, it only adjusts from 33 to 44 inches, so taller users may not have enough length for comfort.

Pros

• Great for emergency use
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Tough hardware

Cons

• Not long enough for tall users

It will hold your AR while doubling as an emergency supply of paracord.

4. BLUCOLLAR

It’s long. It’s strong. It’s cheap. It’s the BluCollar Tactical Patriot.

Key Features

• Adjustable up to 70 inches
• 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing construction
• Black plastic hardware
• Made in the USA

The BluCollar Tactical Patriot is a barebones sling that consists of a 1 ¼-inch nylon strap with black plastic hardware. The strap itself is nothing to brag about. It’s plain black nylon. The hardware is similarly nondescript, but it does its job.

The adjustment clips are nice and tight, built to tight tolerances that are just as good as some of the more expensive slings out there. There’s no mounting hardware included, though; you’ll need to supply it on your own.

One thing we really liked about the Tactical Patriot was the overall length. It extends up to 70 inches, which is long enough even if you need to duck to walk through a doorway. The only serious downside is the lack of any padding, which leaves your shoulder vulnerable if you’re carrying your rifle for an extended period of time.

This sling is very inexpensive and is much higher quality than you’d typically expect from a sling in this price range. Not only that, but it’s made in the USA, and is backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. It’s available in one color: black.

Pros

• Long enough for any user
• Strong, secure, and slip-free
• Manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Uncomfortable
• Mounting hardware not included

This is a barebones AR sling that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

5. KAYLLE

The KAYLLE is an inexpensive strap that’s long enough for anyone to use.

Key features:

• 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing
• Plastic adjustment clips
• Sewn-in metal clip mounts

The KAYLLE is a simple sling that’s crafted from 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing. It has a mix of plastic and steel hardware, with plastic adjustment clips and black steel clip mounts that are sewn into the ends. On the one hand, this keeps them from slipping out of the sling. On the other hand, it means you can’t switch them out for swivel mounts.

The webbing itself is high quality, although there’s no padding. Adjustment is easy. With one hand, you can go from 35 inches to 70 inches, which is long enough for anyone who’s not listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Unfortunately, the plastic clips aren’t manufactured to a very tight tolerance. They tend to slip, which means you’re likely to need to adjust it multiple times during a long day.

These straps are backed by KAYLLE’s lifetime satisfaction guarantee. There doesn’t even have to be anything “wrong” with them. Don’t like your sling? Send it back for a full refund. Considering how inexpensive they are, it’s worth giving them a test drive to see what you think.

Pros

• Long enough for any user
• Quick adjustment
• Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Can’t be switched to swivel mounts
• Slips easily

This is a budget AR 15 strap that comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

6. STI Mil-Spec

The STI is versatile, easy to adjust, and reasonably priced.

Key Features

• 1 ¼-inch nylon tube webbing
• Quick-adjust thumb loop
• Plastic hardware
• Available in 3 colors

The STI 2-Point Rifle Sling is a simple, 1 ¼-inch nylon strap with plastic hardware. It’s available in three colors: black, brown, and olive green. The strap is woven from nylon tubes, rather than flat strands, which increases the strength to 4,000 pounds. So if your AR has enough accessories that it weighs as much as a mid-sized sedan, the STI will support it.

The plastic clips are easy to adjust, but they’re built with low tolerances, so they have a tendency to slip. The STI also doesn’t come with mounting hardware; you’ll need to buy it separately. One neat feature of this sling is the quick adjustment loop.

Basically, the strap runs through a pair of clips to create a loop, which you can pull to tighten it up quickly. This is useful if you’re letting your rifle hang low, and want to quickly shoulder it and take a shot.

Another nice feature is the fact that it can be used either as a 2 point or a 1 point sling. Just pull all the slack into the quick adjustment loop, and you’re good to go. KAYLLE offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, so you can return this sling at any time, for any reason, no questions asked.

Pros

• Easy to adjust
• Can be used as a 2 point or 1 point sling
• Tough, durable strap
• Lifetime satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• Mounting hardware not included
• Weak adjustment clips

This is a versatile, durable AR sling that’s equally well suited to hunting or 3-gun competition.

7. Viking Tactics

The Viking Tactics provides a winning combination of comfort and reliability.

Key Features

• 1-inch nylon webbing
• Wide shoulder pad
• All metal hardware
• Rubber pull tab for quick tightening
• Available in 3 colors

The Viking Tactics Wide Padded Sling consists of a 1-inch woven nylon strap with a wider shoulder pad. The 1-inch strap is compatible with all styles of mounting hardware, either 1 or 1 ¼ inch.

Unfortunately, there’s none included with the sling, so you’ll need to buy some on the aftermarket if your AR doesn’t already have it. The adjustment clips are all black steel and are manufactured to tight tolerances to eliminate slippage.

This sling has a textured rubber pull tab for quick adjustment. Just pull on it, and the sling tightens up to brace your rifle against your shoulder. It doesn’t get very short though; the minimum length is 44 inches. For this reason, vertically challenged users may have some trouble with it.

The shoulder pad is comfortable for all-day carrying, and the nylon itself is tough enough to stand up to abuse. Viking Tactics makes all of their slings in the USA, which gives us a lot of confidence in their long-term reliability.

Pros

• Easy to adjust
• Durable and comfortable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Mounting hardware not included
• Too long for shorter users

This is one of the most comfortable AR slings on the market.

8. Magpul MS1

The Magpul MS1 is designed for military use, so you can count on its reliability.

Key Features

• 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing
• All metal hardware
• 1 point adapters available

The Magpul MS1 Two Point Sling is specifically developed for military use. As such, it’s Berry Amendment compliant, which means that it isn’t just made in the USA, but all the materials are sourced from the USA. Combine that with the Magpul brand, and you’ve got one of the toughest slings on the market.

The strap itself is woven from 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing, with black steel adjustment clips. The clips are adjusted smoothly, but won’t slip even if you drop your gun or snag the sling on something. The MS1 is designed as a 2 point sling but can be converted for 1 point use with one of Magpul’s adapters. Mounting hardware is also sold separately.

The overall length of this sling is adjustable from 48 to 60 inches. While that makes it long enough for almost anybody, it may be too long for shorter users. Make sure to try it on before you throw out the receipt.

Pros

• Easy to adjust
• Doesn’t slip
• Durable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Too long for shorter users
• Mounting hardware sold separately

This is a military grade sling that’s rugged enough for any kind of use.

9. Raiseek

The Raiseek Buffalo is beautiful, comfortable, and durable.

Key Features

• 1-inch leather strap
• Metal screw adjuster
• Includes black steel swivel mounts
• Available in brown or black

The Raiseek is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a simple, 1-inch buffalo leather strap with black steel swivel mounts on the ends. If you prefer a different kind of mount, you can remove the screws that hold the mounts in place, and replace them in about 2 minutes.

Unfortunately, you have to do the same thing just to adjust the length. The strap has regularly-spaced holes, like a belt, where the end of the strap gets screwed in securely. This sling is adjustable from 27 to 42 inches, which makes it ideally sized for shorter or average height individuals, but not long enough for people who are 6 feet or taller.

The leather itself is tough, soft, high quality, and available in black or brown. The stitching is equally tough. It won’t unravel or pull out easily. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day without digging into your shoulder, but the real attraction here is the look, which is more attractive than simple nylon.

Pros

• Beautiful, durable leather construction
• High quality stitching
• Comfortable

Cons

• Difficult to adjust
• Too short for taller users

If you want the beautiful, classic look of leather, this AR-15 sling is a great choice.

10. AmmoGarand

The AmmoGarand M1 has a functional design that’s been around for generations.

Key features:

• 1 ¼-inch nylon webbing
• Parkerized steel hardware
• Standard mounting clamps

The AmmoGarand M1 Garand 2-Point Sling is virtually identical to the slings our grandfathers carried into World War II. The only difference is that the 1 ¼-inch webbing is made of nylon, while the originals were cotton. The hardware is the same parkerized steel the military has been using for more than 80 years.

Adjustments are easy to make. push the release tab on the clips to adjust, and let the tab go to lock it securely in place. Once the tabs are locked, they stay securely in place. This sling won’t slip under any conceivable circumstances.

These are genuine, government-issue slings. They have standard mounting clamps that are compatible with the M1, the M14, the M16, and the AR-15, among other designs. If you prefer swivel mounts, they’re easy enough to install. Any 1 ¼-inch mounts will be compatible.

This AR 15 sling extends to 48 inches, which should be long enough for most individuals. However, very tall people may find that their rifle rides a bit high. It’s very affordable, which is surprising given the high-quality construction.

Pros

• Genuine USGI slings
• Compatible with aftermarket sling swivels
• High-quality construction
• Affordable

Cons

• Too short for very tall users

This classic design has been around since the days of our grandfathers for one reason — it works.

Bottom Line

No two slings are identical. They have different lengths, different features, and different mounting hardware. Some have multiple uses, like paracord slings that can be unwound and used as emergency paracord. Others, like the M1 Garand sling, are made to be as tough as possible without any bells and whistles.

There’s also the matter of comfort. Padding can take the stress off your shoulder during a long hike, but can also make the gun harder to maneuver due to the added bulk. At the end of the day, you’ll need to choose the AR-15 sling that’s right for your needs, not just the one that looks coolest.

Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for all your AR15 needs, we’ve reviewed the best lasers, bipods, cases and scopes for your rifle.