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A good rifle sling makes carrying your rifle easier, whether you’re toting it in a 3-gun match or walking through the dark woods with it to your deer stand. But choosing one can be confusing, given the sheer number of slings available from many different manufacturers. To pick the perfect rifle sling, consider three crucial factors—the type of rifle will you be using, the adjustability of the sling and the type of material used in making the sling.

Rifle Type

Great Value

Can be used on tactical and hunting rifles. Amazon

This is likely the most important factor in choosing a rifle sling. Single-point slings are mainly made for AR-15s and other tactical type rifles. Two-point slings work fine with tactical rifles, but can also be used on more conventional hunting rifles. Two-point slings come in a wide range of configurations and attachment types, so knowing what type of attachment will work best with your rifle is a must. Slings of both types that are made with stretchy materials for the straps have a little “give” and tend to make the gun feel a little lighter when you are walking great distances.

Adjustability

Top Pick

This option is made with flexible neoprene for comfort and is fully adjustable. Amazon

The reason adjustability is so important is rifles come in all shapes and sizes, and so do rifle owners. A sling that will work for a 250-pound law enforcement officer won’t work for a 12-year-old deer hunter unless it is fully adjustable. Look also for a sling that is not only fully adjustable, but easily adjustable. If you buy a sling that is so hard to adjust that you just carry it the way it is, even if it doesn’t fit, you likely won’t be comfortable or safe. For two-point slings, look for models with adjustability at both ends for maximum versatility.

Material

Runner-Up

This nylon duo comes is great those who own more than one rifle. Amazon

Rifle slings are made of many different materials, and all work well when used for the right purpose. Leather slings, though not as popular as they once were, still have plenty of applications, especially for hunting rifles. Nylon slings are tops in popularity for both tactical and hunting rifles, and do a great job as well. Some manufacturers make gun slings out of braided paracord, which could come in handy in a survival situation. Some slings have stretch neoprene for comfort. Others are heavily padded so that they don’t bite into your shoulder when carrying your rifle for a long distance. Since a rifle is a thing of pride, choose a sling made of a material that looks good for you and is functional at the same time. Then you’ll be happy with your selection.