New ar15 owner here. Interested in putting a carry strap on my gun. Looking for advice as I see there are a myriad of options. Interested in just something to carry to my stand and out. Woods hunting from a stand so combat ready isn't a need at this time. What do you recommend for comfort?
I have no idea of the attachment points, with what you are working. If lacing around fixed points, just use any cheap padded sling that enables you to thread and attach the ends. You likely will lose a great deal of versatility and function, but if you only care to have a carry strap that is soft and easy on your neck and shoulder, than that should be cheap and easy to find at Walmart.
Otherwise, if you ever care to find a sling to carry in multiple positions, to transition, to pin the rifle to your chest so you can bend over and work w/ free hands, etc., etc...; Then, likely you need to look at something more military oriented. Three that are on the top of my list are:
- VCAS, VTAC, and the HSP D3.
All three are great, but they are completely different in how they are great. UnLikely no anal person would favor all three, but Likely the most anal person would like one of those three.
The VCAS differs w/ the VTAC in that the former uses a closed loop, while the latter users an open ended loop, leaving a loose tag end with what to deal. The closed loop of the VCAS works exceedingly well for those it fits to give adequate range of adjustment, but for some large people, having the greater range of adjustment offered by the open end VTAC is preferred. Draw back, however, you need to deal w/ the dangling loose tag end.
The new HSP D3 was the end result of Travis Haley's long search for the perfect single point, that could transition to two point carry when needed. Travis, who was one of the experts at Magpul, tried for years to make the Magpul slings work for him, often making modifications, but they never worked as well as he liked.
For me, I most use the VCAS w/ the new RED front swivel. It fits my size perfectly, w/ enough adjustment, from wearing nothing but a T-shirt, to wearing heavier clothing and a plate carrier w/ rifle plates. I have no use for the added adjustment range of the VTAC, and therefore I don't need to worry about a loose tag end strap getting snagged or tangled when climbing, etc. I prefer to mount the ends as far apart as possible, butt to muzzle, which better fits the VCAS vs HSP D3, so that is my normal first choice. In addition, I can grasp the RED swivel and sling at the mount, to use as a stand off when shooting behind and around a barrier, tree, etc.
If you decide to look at one of the high end combat slings, add the above three to your list.
