Types of Rifle Slings

There are a number of different rifle slings that you can attach to your weapon.

Rifle slings are almost a necessity for anyone who will be carrying a rifle for any length of time. Hunters and soldiers alike have made use of these slings since WWII. Many informal types of slings were used earlier in history. The types of slings you can use vary, but they all serve the same purpose.

Quick Cuff M24

One of the types of rifle slings that is used by the United States military is the quick cuff model M24. This rifle sling attaches to the front underside and butt of the rifle, and the sling is made of nylon (olive drab, black, or desert brown). This rifle is typically used by snipers and by riflemen in the United States Special Forces, United States Navy Seals, Army Rangers, United States Marine Corps and the Canadian Special Forces.

M16 Sling

First used during the Vietnam War, the M16 sling was meant to be used for the M16 assault rifle that was assigned to United States troops. The sling also attaches to the M4 carbine rifle. Unlike the M24 rifle sling, the M16 sling attaches to the top of the rifle so that the rifle can be slung in the upright position either along a soldier's side, or while sling over the back for a simple carry position.

Leather Slings

The above two types of rifle slings are adjustable nylon, with a variety of buckles and straps worked into the design. Lots of shooters prefer to have custom made leather slings so that their rifles are slung at the perfect length and height to fit them and their guns. These slings attach to the rifle at the same places as the other slings (underslung is used for long, sniper rifles and carbines while overslung are more often used for assault rifles) and it's used in the same way, but it's perfectly sized for the individual shooter.

References

• Rifle Slings: U.S. M16 Sling
• Murray Custom Leather: Murray Custom Leather
• Tactical Intervention: Quick Cuff Rifle Sling