The Blue Force Gear Vickers is the best rifle sling for most shooters, a proven two-point with fast pull-tab adjustment and almost nothing to break. For the same speed at a friendlier price, the Magpul MS1 is the value pick, and hunters who just want comfortable all-day carry should look at the Butler Creek Easy Rider. Here are the six best rifle slings for 2026, across tactical, precision, and hunting, and how to choose. For AR-specific picks, see our best AR-15 slings guide.
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How we tested: Every pick here was run through our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. If we haven't shot it, we don't recommend it.
Best rifle slings at a glance
| Sling | Best for | Type | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Force Gear Vickers | Overall | Two-point | Pull-tab |
| Magpul MS1 | Value | Two-point | Slider |
| Magpul MS4 QDM | Convertible | Two/single-point | Slider + QD |
| Viking Tactics VTAC MK1 | Padded comfort | Two-point | Pull-tab |
| Magpul RLS | Budget | Two-point fixed | Simple loop |
| Butler Creek Easy Rider | Hunting | Carry sling | Fixed, padded |
How to choose a rifle sling
A sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a pistol: the thing that lets you carry it hands-free and steady it when you shoot. The big choices are the sling type, whether you need quick-detach hardware, and how much padding and adjustment speed you want. A hunter packing miles wants comfort, a competitor wants fast adjustment for shooting support, and a defensive carbine wants quick transitions. Match the sling to how you actually carry and shoot the rifle. For builds on an AR specifically, our best AR-15 slings guide covers platform-specific picks and mounting.
1. Blue Force Gear Vickers 221: Best Overall
The Blue Force Gear Vickers sling is the two-point that set the modern standard, and it is still the one I hand most rifle shooters first. Designed with Larry Vickers, it uses a pull-tab adjuster that lets you cinch the rifle tight to your body or loosen it for a long carry in one quick motion, with no plastic hardware to rattle or fail. It just works, every time.
What makes it the benchmark is the combination of simplicity and durability. The nylon webbing is tough, the adjustment is fast and glove-friendly, and there is no excess hardware to snag or break. It works as a fixed two-point on a hunting rifle or, with the quick-detach version, on an AR, which makes it genuinely versatile across platforms.
It costs more than a bargain sling, but it is a buy-once piece of kit that outlasts the rifle. For AR-specific picks and mounting hardware, see our best AR-15 slings guide, but as an all-around rifle sling, the Vickers is the one to beat.
Pros
- Fast glove-friendly pull-tab adjustment
- Tough webbing, minimal hardware to fail
- Works across hunting and tactical rifles
- Buy-once durability
Cons
- Pricier than bargain slings
- Padding is minimal on the standard model
Best for: Most rifle shooters who want one proven, do-everything two-point sling.
2. Magpul MS1: Best Value
The Magpul MS1 is the value champion in the two-point world, delivering fast, reliable adjustment for noticeably less than the premium options. The slider adjuster moves smoothly to cinch or extend the sling, the webbing is durable Magpul nylon, and the whole thing carries the brand’s reputation for gear that takes abuse without complaint.
It is offered in fixed and quick-detach versions and accepts Magpul’s modular mounting hardware, so you can set it up for a hunting rifle, an AR, or a precision gun. The adjustment is quick enough for transitions and the comfort is good for a standard-width sling, which makes it a genuine do-it-all at a friendly price.
It is not quite as refined as the boutique slings, and the slider can be a touch stiffer than a pull-tab, but for the money it is hard to beat. This is the sling I recommend to most new rifle owners who want quality without overspending.
Pros
- Fast, reliable adjustment for the price
- Durable Magpul nylon webbing
- Fixed and quick-detach versions
- Modular mounting hardware
Cons
- Slider less slick than a pull-tab
- Standard width, modest padding
Best for: New rifle owners and anyone wanting proven quality on a budget.
3. Magpul MS4 QDM: Best Convertible
The Magpul MS4 QDM is the pick if you want a sling that converts between two-point and single-point on the fly. It combines the MS1 webbing and adjuster with QD swivels, so you can run it as a stable two-point for carry and shooting, then unclip one end to drop into a fast single-point for close-quarters work. That flexibility is its whole reason for being.
The QD swivels click positively into sockets and release fast, the adjustment is the same quick slider as the MS1, and the build quality is pure Magpul. For a do-everything carbine that needs to switch roles, or a shooter who cannot decide between one-point and two-point, the MS4 covers both bases in one sling.
It costs a bit more than a fixed sling because of the QD hardware, and a single-point alone is more specialized, but the convertibility is genuinely useful. For a versatile fighting carbine, it is the smart choice.
Pros
- Converts between two-point and single-point
- Positive quick-detach swivels
- Same fast MS1 slider adjustment
- Magpul build quality
Cons
- Costs more for the QD hardware
- Single-point mode lets the muzzle swing
Best for: Shooters who want one sling that switches between two-point and single-point.
4. Viking Tactics VTAC MK1: Best Padded
The Viking Tactics VTAC sling, designed by Kyle Lamb, is the padded two-point for shooters who carry a heavy rifle or spend long days with it slung. The wide padded section spreads the weight across your shoulder and back, which makes a real difference on a heavy precision rifle or a long range day, and the signature pull-tab adjuster is fast and intuitive.
It runs the same proven pull-tab concept as the Vickers but adds padding and a slightly different adjustment feel that many shooters swear by. The hardware is minimal and tough, the webbing takes abuse, and it has a long track record of hard use in training and the field. For comfort under a heavy load, it is a standout.
The padding adds a little bulk and weight over a minimalist sling, which is the trade, but if you carry a heavy rifle the comfort is worth it. It is the sling I reach for on a precision build that lives on my shoulder all day.
Pros
- Wide padding spreads heavy-rifle weight
- Fast pull-tab adjustment
- Tough webbing, minimal hardware
- Proven in hard training use
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than minimalist slings
- Padding is overkill on a light rifle
Best for: Shooters carrying heavy precision or battle rifles for long days.
5. Magpul RLS: Best Budget
The Magpul RLS, or Rifleman Loop Sling, is the budget pick that proves a good sling does not have to cost much. It is a simple, fixed two-point loop sling with a quick, secure adjuster and tough webbing, built for the shooter who wants a reliable carry sling without paying for QD hardware or padding they will not use.
It is dead simple to set up, comfortable enough for general carry, and carries the Magpul durability you expect, all at a price that makes it an easy add to any rifle. For a hunting rifle, a truck gun, or a first AR where the budget went to the optic, it covers the basics without fuss.
It lacks the quick-detach versatility and padding of the pricier slings, and it is a fixed two-point only, but for a no-nonsense carry sling at a low price, the RLS is honest value. Sometimes simple and cheap is exactly right.
Pros
- Low price for a quality sling
- Simple, secure adjustment
- Tough Magpul webbing
- Great for a budget or truck-gun build
Cons
- Fixed two-point, no QD
- No padding
Best for: Budget builds, truck guns, and anyone wanting a simple reliable carry sling.
6. Butler Creek Easy Rider: Best Hunting Sling
For a traditional hunting rifle, the Butler Creek Easy Rider is the comfortable, no-nonsense carry sling that has ridden on deer rifles for decades. It uses a wide neoprene shoulder pad that grips your jacket and cushions the weight on a long pack into the woods, with a non-slip backing that keeps the rifle from sliding off your shoulder on a steep climb.
This is a carry sling first, built for comfort over miles rather than the fast shooting-support adjustment of a tactical two-point. It mounts to the standard sling swivel studs that hunting rifles wear, installs in minutes, and the neoprene padding makes a heavy rifle feel lighter on the trail.
It is not made for rapid transitions or shooting support the way a tactical sling is, but for the hunter who just wants to carry a rifle comfortably all day, it is exactly the right tool at an honest price. Pair it with a quality hunting scope and you are set for the season.
Pros
- Comfortable wide neoprene shoulder pad
- Non-slip backing stays put on climbs
- Fits standard hunting sling studs
- Affordable and easy to install
Cons
- Carry sling, not for shooting support
- No quick adjustment or QD
Best for: Hunters who want a comfortable all-day carry sling for a traditional rifle.
Rifle sling buyer’s guide
Two-point vs single-point vs three-point
The two-point sling, attached at the front and rear of the rifle, is the most versatile and the right choice for the vast majority of shooters. It carries comfortably, steadies the rifle for shooting, and stays out of the way. A single-point clips to one rear point and lets the rifle hang muzzle-down for fast transitions in close quarters, at the cost of the muzzle swinging freely and banging your legs. The older three-point design is largely obsolete, replaced by adjustable two-points. Start with a two-point unless you have a specific reason not to.
Quick adjustment and why it matters
A modern shooting sling lets you cinch the rifle tight to your body or loosen it for carry in one quick motion, usually via a pull-tab or a slider. The tight setting locks the rifle in for a stable shooting position or hands-free retention, while the loose setting is comfortable for a long carry. Fast, glove-friendly adjustment is the feature that separates a true shooting sling from a simple carry strap, and it is worth paying for if you shoot from a sling.
Mounting and quick-detach hardware
How the sling attaches matters. Traditional hunting rifles use sling swivel studs, while modern rifles use QD sockets, M-LOK slots, or loops through handguards and stocks. Quick-detach swivels let you remove the sling in a second or reconfigure it, which is handy on an AR, while a fixed loop is simpler and has nothing to fail. Confirm your rifle’s mounting points and buy a sling and hardware that match, or you will be improvising.
Padding, width, and comfort
Width and padding decide comfort under load. A wider or padded sling spreads the weight of a heavy rifle across your shoulder, which matters on a long hunt or a heavy precision build, while a thin minimalist sling saves weight and bulk on a light carbine. Neoprene pads grip clothing and cushion well for hunting carry. Match the padding to the rifle’s weight and how far you carry it, since padding you do not need is just extra bulk.
Material and durability
Most quality slings use tough nylon webbing that resists abrasion and holds up for years, and the best designs minimize plastic hardware that can crack or rattle. Leather slings look classic on a traditional hunting rifle but need more care. Whatever the material, the attachment hardware is the common failure point, so favor proven metal QD swivels or simple sewn loops over cheap plastic clips on anything you trust.
How I evaluated these slings
I weighed these on how a sling actually serves a rifle: the speed and reliability of the adjustment, comfort under the rifle’s real weight over a long carry, the durability of the webbing and especially the attachment hardware, versatility across mounting systems and roles, and value against what you get. Price counted against capability, because a hunter packing a deer rifle and a competitor running a precision gun need different slings, and the best one is the one matched to how you carry and shoot, built well enough that the hardware never lets you down at the wrong moment.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a rifle sling
- Buying a single-point for general use. A single-point lets the muzzle swing and bang your legs. For most shooters a two-point is more versatile and more comfortable.
- Mismatched mounting hardware. A QD sling will not fit a bare swivel stud and vice versa. Confirm your rifle’s attachment points before you buy.
- Skipping quick adjustment. A simple strap carries fine but will not steady your shot. If you shoot from a sling, pay for fast pull-tab or slider adjustment.
- Cheap plastic hardware. The clips and swivels are the failure point. Favor proven metal QD or sewn loops on any rifle you rely on.
- Wrong padding for the job. A heavy rifle wants a padded sling; a light carbine does not. Match the comfort to the weight you actually carry.
Bottom Line
For one sling that does almost everything, the Blue Force Gear Vickers is the proven benchmark, with the Magpul MS1 the value pick that gives most shooters the same fast adjustment for less. Want to switch between two-point and single-point? The Magpul MS4 QDM does both. Carrying a heavy rifle all day calls for the padded Viking Tactics VTAC, a budget build is well served by the simple Magpul RLS, and a traditional hunting rifle rides best on the comfortable Butler Creek Easy Rider. Match the sling to how you carry and shoot, and for AR-specific picks and mounting, see our best AR-15 slings guide and AR-15 accessories guide.
Last updated June 4th 2026
What is the best type of rifle sling?
For most shooters, a two-point sling is the best choice. It carries the rifle comfortably, steadies it for shooting, and stays out of the way, making it the most versatile design. Single-point slings suit close-quarters fast transitions but let the muzzle swing freely. Unless you have a specific need for a single-point, start with an adjustable two-point.
What is the difference between a two-point and single-point sling?
A two-point sling attaches at the front and rear of the rifle, carrying it stably across your body and supporting your shooting position. A single-point clips to one rear point so the rifle hangs muzzle-down for fast transitions in tight spaces, but the muzzle swings freely and can bang your legs. Two-point is more versatile; single-point is more specialized for close quarters.
Do I need a quick-detach sling?
Only if you remove or reconfigure the sling often, or run an AR with QD sockets. Quick-detach swivels let you pull the sling in a second, which is handy for cleaning, storage, or switching configurations. For a traditional hunting rifle that wears one sling permanently, a fixed loop is simpler with nothing to fail. Match the hardware to how you use the rifle.
What sling is best for a hunting rifle?
For traditional hunting, a comfortable carry sling like the Butler Creek Easy Rider with a wide neoprene shoulder pad and non-slip backing is ideal, since comfort over miles matters more than fast shooting adjustment. It mounts to the standard swivel studs hunting rifles wear. If you want shooting support too, a padded adjustable two-point like the Vickers works well across hunting and field use.
How do you attach a sling to a rifle?
It depends on the mounting points. Traditional rifles use sling swivel studs that the sling's swivels clip onto. Modern rifles use QD sockets, M-LOK slots, or loops through the handguard and stock. Match your sling and its hardware to your rifle's attachment points. Many slings include the common hardware, but confirm compatibility before you buy.
Are expensive slings worth it?
For a sling you use hard, yes. Premium slings like the Vickers offer faster, more reliable adjustment and tougher hardware that will not fail at the wrong moment, and they last for years. For a light-use carry sling, a value option like the Magpul MS1 or RLS does the job well. Spend in proportion to how much you shoot from the sling and how much you carry the rifle.
Can you use one sling on multiple rifles?
Yes, if they share mounting points or you use adapters. A sling with quick-detach swivels moves between rifles with QD sockets in seconds, and a stud-mounted sling swaps between any rifles wearing standard swivel studs. Quick-detach hardware makes sharing one good sling across several rifles easy and is a common reason to choose QD.
What is the best AR-15 sling?
AR-15 slings have their own considerations around QD mounting and single-versus-two-point use, so we cover them in detail in our dedicated best AR-15 slings guide. In short, an adjustable two-point like the Blue Force Gear Vickers or Magpul MS1, or the convertible MS4, are top choices for an AR, paired with QD hardware that fits your handguard and receiver.
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