Top Slings for Competitive Shooting

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: July 10, 2023

Competitive shooting is a precision sport that requires not only focus and skill but also the right equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive shooter or just starting out, choosing the best rifle sling can make a huge difference in your performance. Rifle slings are designed to not only support the weight of your rifle but also steady your aim, making it easier to hit your target. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top rifle slings for competitive shooting and help you choose the right one for your needs. But first, let’s take a look at the importance of gear in competitive shooting and the factors to consider when choosing the best rifle for the job.

Choosing the Best Rifle for Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting requires precision, focus, and the right gear. Choosing the right rifle sling is crucial, as it can affect a shooter’s stability, comfort, and accuracy. Rifle slings are designed to help support the weight of a rifle and steady the shooter’s aim.

There are two main types of rifle slings: single-point and two-point. Single-point slings attach to only one point on the rifle and are great for mobility and fast transitions. Two-point slings, on the other hand, attach to two points on the rifle and are ideal for stability and accuracy. 

Using a rifle sling can provide benefits such as distributing the weight of the rifle across your body, keeping your hands free for other tasks, maintaining proper form while shooting, and quickly transitioning between targets. 

Therefore, shooters must choose the right type of sling that suits their needs and preferences. Other factors to consider when choosing a rifle sling include weight, comparable length, and types of holsters and belts. 

Importance of Rifle Slings for Competitive Shooting

Apart from choosing the right rifle for competitive shooting, the importance of a rifle sling cannot be overstated. Rifle slings play a crucial role in not just supporting the weight of the rifle but also in steadying the shooter’s aim. There are primarily two main types of rifle slings available: single-point and two-point.

Using a rifle sling can provide a range of benefits, like distributing the weight of the rifle across the body, ensuring that the hands stay free for other tasks, maintaining the correct posture while shouldering the rifle, and quickly transitioning between targets. Competitive shooting requires a shooter to be at the top of their game; therefore, a suitable rifle sling is critical to providing top-notch accuracy and stability.

Benefits of Using a Rifle Sling in Competitive Shooting

Using a rifle sling during competitive shooting can offer a range of benefits for a shooter. 

• It helps to distribute the weight of the rifle evenly across the shooter’s body, reducing fatigue and making it easier to maintain a steady aim. This becomes especially important during longer shooting sessions.

• Keeps the shooter’s hands free for other tasks, like reloading, adjusting gear, or carrying additional equipment. This ensures that the shooter can focus primarily on the task at hand without any interruptions or distractions.

• Is crucial for maintaining proper form while shooting. It promotes correct position, which is essential for accuracy and precision. 

• Help to quickly transition between targets by providing support for the rifle while the shooter moves from one position to another.

Types of Rifle Slings for Competitive Shooting

When it comes to competitive shooting, choosing the right rifle sling is essential to achieving stability, accuracy, and comfort during shooting events. There are several types of rifle slings available, including single-point and two-point slings.

Single-point

Single-point slings are designed to attach to only one point on the rifle, promoting mobility and facilitating fast transitions between targets. They are especially useful for close-range shooting and dynamic events. 

Two-point

Two-point slings, on the other hand, attach to two points on the rifle and are ideal for maintaining stability, ensuring accuracy, and reducing fatigue during longer shooting sessions. 

Three-point

Three-point slings are designed to offer greater stability and accuracy than single or two-point slings, but they can be more complicated to adjust and use. 

Competition 

Competition or match slings are specifically designed for competitive events and provide the maximum support and stability required for long-range shooting.

Factors to consider

When choosing a rifle sling include weight, comparable length, and types of holsters and belts being used. Having the right sized sling that complements the weight and length of the rifle is key to achieving maximum comfort and accuracy during events. Overall, the right sling for the right event is critical when it comes to achieving success in competitive shooting.

Other Gear for Competitive Shooting

In addition to choosing the right rifle and sling for competitive shooting, shooters also need to consider other gear such as holsters, belts, and pants. Here are a few other things to consider:

• Chamber flag
• Ear protection
• Eye protection
• Knee and elbow pads
• Shooting gloves

Apparel

• For tops, choose a breathable, snag-resistant, and moisture-wicking shirt that can stretch and move with you without getting in the way.
• For jackets, select a field or competition shooting jacket that doesn’t restrict your arms or prevent you from aiming and firing accurately. Look for a slim lining, lightweight construction, and hook-and-loop cuffs to keep the ends of your sleeves out of your way.
• For pants, pick competition shooting pants that aren’t too tight when you’re in a firing position and have a little “give” to move quickly to react to new scenarios. Look for reinforced seams, Flex-Tac ripstop fabric, and kneepad-ready knees.
• For belts, choose a sturdy belt that’s strong enough to carry extra gear in the back, like a multi-tool. Check out our article on gun belts for more information.

It’s important to note that the specific clothing requirements may vary by competition, so it’s best to check the rules beforehand.

Tips for Using a Rifle Sling in Competitive Shooting

Choosing the right rifle sling is only half the battle. It’s also important to know how to use it properly during competition. Here are some tips for using a rifle sling in competitive shooting:

Choose the suitable sling for your needs and adjust it properly for maximum comfort and stability. It’s important to practice using the sling in different positions to get comfortable with it before competing.

When using a two-point sling, make sure both points are securely attached to the rifle at all times during the competition. Otherwise, the sling can slip or become loose, affecting stability and accuracy.

Ensure that the sling is comparable in length to your rifle. This guarantees that the rifle sits snugly against the body and reduces fatigue during longer shooting sessions.

Consider open-bottom holsters with no taper for competitive shooting, and carefully choose other gear like belts and pants that are specifically designed for competition shooting.

Conclusion

When it comes to competitive shooting, a shooter needs to have the right gear to achieve maximum success. Using the right rifle sling is crucial for any shooter looking to gain an edge. Rifle slings not only help to support the weight of the rifle but also provide stability and accuracy while shooting. 

Choosing a sling that is comparable in length to your rifle and suitable for your needs is crucial. Additionally, other gear such as holsters, belts, and pants can provide the necessary extra support for carrying heavier loads of ammunition and other equipment during competitions or tournaments. By correctly choosing and using the right gear, competitive shooters can increase their chances of success during events.

Related Articles

Explore More GunAim