How To: Attach a Sling to a Rifle

So, you bought a new rifle, and you might be wondering what exactly you should do now. Well, that’s easy, you need to learn how to use the thing!

There are lots and lots to learn, and I sadly can’t teach everything through one simple article. However, I can teach you how to get your rifle set-up for use!

So, today, let’s look at how to attach a sling to your AR-15.

Let’s dig in!

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve spent a lifetime shooting, starting with a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.

In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification and used my knowledge to help guide students.

I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, you name it. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.

How to Attach a Sling

There isn’t necessarily a wrong way to mount a sling, there are just more modern ways.

Even in the modern mounting methods of slings, there isn’t a total consensus on what’s best. Different rifle sizes and purposes will differentiate how you mount your sling.

With that said, I will advise you of my preferred method of mounting a sling and a somewhat universally easy method to get a good sling mount.

This assumes you are using a modern, tactical two-point sling like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling, the VTAC sling, the Magpul MS3, etc. (Need some solid recommendations? Check out our guide to the Best AR-15 Slings.)

1. Mount the Sling to the Handguard

Let’s start up front. I want you to grab your rifle and make sure it’s clear.

Now assume a good firing position. With that good, comfy firing position, acknowledge where your hand sits. We don’t want our sling forward of where your hand is resting on the handguard.

If you are right-handed, you will mount the sling on the left side of the handguard. Preferably right behind where you grip the rifle, but you have some wiggle room.

With the first point in place, let’s go to your stock.

2. Mount the Sling to the Stock

This assumes you can mount a sling to your rifle if you have a modern stock.

It has a few sling points. We want to attach the sling to the stock. However, this time, if you are right-handed, you want the rear of the sling mounted to the right side of the stock.

The sling will mount to the right side of the stock and flow up and over the stock. The reason we do this is to make it easier to switch shoulders if we ever need to.

3. Adjust to Fit

Now, we need to start adjusting the sling for a proper fit.

Each person has a different fit. Additionally, you’ll have to account for the presence of armor and load-bearing gear. If you plan to wear it, toss it on before you size the sling.

You want to adjust the rear of the sling then adjust the front, quick adjustment portion of your sling to be as loose as possible.

Keep the front adjustment loose and begin to adjust the rear of the sling. You want the stock to sit right at nipple level.

With proper adjustment, the sling will provide some tension when you run it loose. Tension helps you stabilize your rifle and shoot with accuracy. When the sling is run tight with the quick adjustment tab, it will make your rifle hands free.

This is admittedly one method to mount a sling. It works for me, but if you don’t like it, seek out alternative options for sling mounting.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge is half the battle, and the other half is the skill to use that knowledge. The AR-15 is America’s rifle, and as such, it’s wise to know how to use the basics of this universal carbine.

Hopefully, we’ve helped you figure out how to get that new sling on that new rifle!

How do you mount your slings? Let us know below. For sling recommendations, check out the Best Rifle Slings, or to shop for a new AR, head to the Best AR-15s.