Anyone have experience with MAGPUL's rifleman loop sling?
I do; its my favorite sling type. What do you want to know?
It won't get as secure as the GI web sling, but with practice is much quicker, and in my opinion more functional.
I run them on ARs with (qualtlity) QDs and 10/22s with some swivels https://www.galcogunleather.com/locking-sling-swivel-set-1-25-_8_294_1560.html (https://www.galcogunleather.com/locking-sling-swivel-set-1-25-_8_294_1560.html) .
It can be set up so you can easily adjust it for standing, seated, and prone to get a snug fit.
I have one on one of my AR platforms, and it's quite functional for our purposes. Think of it as being similar in use and function to a 1907. My one complaint is that the keeper is stubborn and doesn't slide easily one-handed. That can be addressed by working it extensively until the rubber and the nylon get a good burnish.
I need to sit in front of a movie or something and just work that keeper until it breaks in.
It's also more readily available than the USGI variety. There's a decent chance you can walk into a gun store and buy one off the shelf.
Down side. The Magpul instructions suck. There are a very few decent videos on youtube about how to set it up. And every one of them complains about the keeper in such a way that makes me think they don't understand its purpose.
Its my preferred sling over the gi I have both and have have multiple loaners for each but my personal preference is the RLS, Mrs. Smith is correct that the instructions do suck. I find multiple youtube videos have better instructions on how to set it up. Once its set up however its very easy and intuitive to size it to larger or smaller individuals. I would not say it is easier to use the the gi sling, nor is it as tight a loop sling as can be acquired by the gi sling.
However where it shines is in practical application. Quickly showing students real world use of the Hasty Hasty, to the Hasty sling, to the loop sling without needed to pull the sling off and do modifications is pretty awesome.
I will agree that the keeper system is excessively tight but I find that instead of trying to break the sling in its easier to demonstrate to the student to have them use the rifles weight to their advantage by allowing it to hang free in a safe and controlled direction opposite of the direction the keeper needs to go ( just have them put their support arm in the loop, support arm holding the rifle barrel pushing the barrel down range. This creates the proper sling tension for the firing hand to easily alid the keeper in position)
Being able to quickly get into and out of the sling has its benefits, it also has drawbacks if your attempting to teach the gi sling and hot to set it up to new shooters
Thank you all for the answers! I've set it up and started breaking it in. We'll see how it does at my first Appleseed of the year this May.
Cheers
KProctor, would you be able to post a picture of the correct setup? I think I have mine right, but not 100% sure.
I don't have one of these but I'm sure it will work fine for most. My problem with any kind of non-cotton sling is that they tend to slip down your arm as you shoot, especially if you're shooting centerfire/.30 cal. Putting on a nylon sling over a nylon shirt is almost a guarantee that it's going to slide down your arm and end up nearer your elbow than your armpit. If you're shooting this sling over a shooting coat with some rubber patches on the support arm to provide some traction it will not move as much. Over the last 10 years i've thrown or given away all the synthetic slings I had and now buy the USGI cotton slings to put on everything, including my demo stock.
I use a 1907 leather sling on anything I'm trying to shoot for score. NOTHING MOVES when you cinch that bad boy down.
Ramblin' Wreck
Quote from: Calisnaps on February 27, 2022, 09:18:16 PM
KProctor, would you be able to post a picture of the correct setup? I think I have mine right, but not 100% sure.
Let me see if I'm smart enough to remember how to post pictures
https://i.imgur.com/p3ADmHT.jpeg
Quote from: KProctor on February 28, 2022, 02:09:11 PM
Quote from: Calisnaps on February 27, 2022, 09:18:16 PM
KProctor, would you be able to post a picture of the correct setup? I think I have mine right, but not 100% sure.
Let me see if I'm smart enough to remember how to post pictures
https://i.imgur.com/p3ADmHT.jpeg
Apparently not......
Let me know if you want the video I used to set mine up im sure I can dig it up somewhere. On thing to note is that you don't need to feed the excess strap back through as I have done. You can leave it out or cut it, since this ones a loaner I keep the full length incase I need it.
Try this one https://youtu.be/dVJ0rwR0Zh8
He grumbles about that keeper a bunch, but it's a correct installation
Thank you both, plan on doing my first Appleseed in late March or April in Sacramento and figure if I can arrive with at least the basics set up correctly I'll have less to absorb on the day!
Quote from: Calisnaps on February 28, 2022, 02:38:51 PM
Thank you both, plan on doing my first Appleseed in late March or April in Sacramento and figure if I can arrive with at least the basics set up correctly I'll have less to absorb on the day!
Good thinking, Calisnaps. The more prepared and practiced you are, the better you'll perform.
I wish you the best on your first Appleseed !
One caution to those who are considering buying this sling and using it at an Appleseed- there is a better than 50/50 possibility that the instructors at your Appleseed aren't familiar with this sling, or in how to use it in a loop configuration.
As 99% of our sling instruction covers using the USGI web sling in a loop configuration, it is very possible (probable?) that it is the only sling your instructor has ever seen in a loop configuration.
If you are going to use a sling such as this in a loop configuration, I would be certain that you are familiar with how to use it in that fashion BEFORE your Appleseed event.
I wish more instructors were familiar with the intricacies of the various slings available, but I understand why they are not.
I don't have experience with Magpul RLS, but there are a few different options out there.
The Wilderness has the Cleckner Cuff Sling. It's a similar concept as the RLS, however once you thrust your support arm through and extend out, it will automatically cinch to the arm and stop where you've set it. Once configured for you, it makes a very practical field sling. I've been testing this one out for a while.
Tactical Intervention Specialists has the Quick Cuff Sniper Sling. With that one, the cuff remains on your arm and it attaches to the sling via a Fastex buckle when you want to use it.
At some point I'll be picking up both the RLS and Quick Cuff to compare. But for someone's first event and until they become proficient, I recommend sticking with the cotton GI web sling. Once you've mastered that, then go ahead experiment with other options.
I love run what ya bring but the time monkey gets real heavy trying to figure out different sling systems. I have had one of the Magpul slings since last summer and it is still in its package.
Again, I appreciate all the feedback. The Cleckner and Quick Cuff slings are very interesting. Once I've gotten a year of experience with the RLS (I plan on three Appleseeds and two KDs this year), I'll think about getting one of those.
To clarify 'why' I'm looking at other slings: 1) At a windy, rainy, sleety, snowy Winterseed this past December, the GI sling became completely unadjustable; I shot the entire day hasty. 2) At the KD I attended last year, I was thoroughly annoyed at being unable to carry my rifle 'patrol' style. The (cotton) GI sling is excellent for what it is, and if it did a bit more than it does, I'd adopt it permanently.
Please don't take this as disrespecting the GI sling, or as advocating for abandoning it or for 'starting' with a different sling. I'm just personally ready to move on.
Cheers!
Have you considered going old school with a 1907 leather sling for your center fire?
Wreck
Quote from: Red Wing on March 03, 2022, 11:10:55 AM
At a windy, rainy, sleety, snowy Winterseed this past December, the GI sling became completely unadjustable
Can you elaborate on this point?
Quote from: ArmyVet on March 03, 2022, 01:22:18 PM
Quote from: Red Wing on March 03, 2022, 11:10:55 AM
At a windy, rainy, sleety, snowy Winterseed this past December, the GI sling became completely unadjustable
Can you elaborate on this point?
Sure: Once the cotton sling got soaked, adjusting the length in the front (opening and closing the buckle) and setting the loop in the back became incredibly difficult and required my removing my (also soaked) gloves to get it done. Then, getting the loop over the sleeve of my (also soaked) leather jacket was also a near-impossibility. I did it the first couple of times, but then I had to choose between my hands going completely numb in order to fight (and probably lose to) the sling and just running it hasty. So...hasty it was.
I did qualify, but the sling was more hinderance than asset. After my earlier (October) dissatisfaction with how 'useful' the sling was when actually moving with the rifle, I decided to see if there was anything else. I did find some nylon GI slings, but they were the same length as the cotton ones, so only (potentially) addressed one of my issues.
+1 on the Cleckner sling.
I'm running this on my AR and love it. The release buckle in the middle makes it very quick to change between loop and hasty/patrol sling configuration.
The key with this sling is to set up the loop to be TIGHT in your shooting position. If it goes slack at all, the loop will slip on the nylon webbing. Course that also makes it quick to get into/out of.
I prefer a Turner sling, 1907 leather style.
Locks me up tight and feels good.
Exactly! O0 I encourage folks to spend the time learning how to use a 1907 sling because I haven't found any way to get more steady as a sling shooter. In the olden days we used to teach how to rig and use one at AS events. If you know how it's supposed to work, it's just as quick to put on/off as a cotton GI sling, and you can lock up a LOT tighter.
A couple of years ago I bought a new sling from Eric Hollis Slings. After discovering how well they're made I bought 3 more. A top quality sling. Worth the 3-4 month wait.
https://erichollisllc.com/collections/rifle-slings/products/copy-of-hollis-leather-nm-rifle-sling (https://erichollisllc.com/collections/rifle-slings/products/copy-of-hollis-leather-nm-rifle-sling)
Wreck
Quote from: HardHolder on March 09, 2022, 11:23:06 PMI prefer a Turner sling, 1907 leather style.
Locks me up tight and feels good.
Quote from: MrZeke on March 03, 2022, 08:02:38 PM
+1 on the Cleckner sling.
I'm running this on my AR and love it. The release buckle in the middle makes it very quick to change between loop and hasty/patrol sling configuration.
The key with this sling is to set up the loop to be TIGHT in your shooting position. If it goes slack at all, the loop will slip on the nylon webbing. Course that also makes it quick to get into/out of.
Ive got one on the way for my m14.
I bought one of these to try and see, will post a review once I get a chance to run it at a few events.
I've got an RLS that I had for about 6 months, struggling to figure out how to install it for proper use. But just last week I decided to get it installed and used. I'm happy with it.
As others said above, the instructions Magpul provides are near to useless. Two different YT videos helped me, one was the video listed above (guy grumbles about keeper), and the other was a video showing its use. The first video just shows installation and I guess I was too dim-witted to figure out how it's actually used as a loop sling from that video.
This video (the second I mentioned) is what helped on sling use: https://youtu.be/OkdSIqQfsdQ
I agree the RLS can be slippery on synthetic shirtsleeves, and for that reason can be frustrating for first-time loop sling users. But in my view it works better & quicker than a not-perfectly-adjusted cotton GI sling and it won't stretch when wet.
I agree it could be confusing for any instructor who hasn't used one him/herself.
Update: First Appleseed of the year (for me) come and gone and...qualified Distinguished with the Rifleman Loop Sling. Had no issues getting it on or off, getting it cinched to a functional tightness, or having it slip (probably the shirt I was wearing helped, but I also took a fine grit sandpaper and hit the insides of the sling where it would be contacting my clothing just to rough up the fibers a little).
Known Distance tomorrow (5/21). Will see how the sling does in a bit of rain (per the forecast).
As always, no disrespect to the USGI sling; the RLS is a viable modern alternative.
Congratulations and nice shooting. Thanks for the update.
Good luck on the KD.
Well done, Red Wing! that's some mighty fine shooting ;)
Thanks, Mrs. Smith!
Ok, my last (planned) post on this thread: The Magpul Rifleman Loop Sling works. It's easy on and easy off, it didn't slip, it functioned even when damp (we got sprinkled on a bit--so not sure how it does when soaked and/or cold yet), and it works for all positions. The proof is in the results: Qualified Known Distance even though we had to do Stage 1 at 200 yards. Very, very, happy with the results.
Quote from: Red Wing on May 23, 2022, 11:31:50 AM
Thanks, Mrs. Smith!
Ok, my last (planned) post on this thread: The Magpul Rifleman Loop Sling works. It's easy on and easy off, it didn't slip, it functioned even when damp (we got sprinkled on a bit--so not sure how it does when soaked and/or cold yet), and it works for all positions. The proof is in the results: Qualified Known Distance even though we had to do Stage 1 at 200 yards. Very, very, happy with the results.
Nice!! 200 yards from standing is no joke!
I still struggle with adjusting that keeper with one hand. It may simply be a matter of physical strength and leverage. When my arm is through the loop, I just don't have the strength to slide the keeper down with my trigger hand from that angle (and I'm no delicate rose - I'm a country girl.) If I adjust the angle I'm pulling from for better leverage, then it creates a muzzle control issue. That's my biggest complaint about the RLS. The USGI is still easier to adjust one handed and requires no strength to speak of to do so.
Something to keep in mind with smaller women and kids who lack sufficient upper body strength to compensate for the lack of leverage.
Thank you, Red Wing and Mrs. Smith for the information and follow-up. I was just discussing this thread over the weekend and I'm very glad to hear results from both new and more experienced forum members. I believe I will grab one of these and play with it over the summer.
Thanks again, and congrats on the Known Distance event, Red Wing! I plan to attend my first one this fall. Looking forward to it!
Regards,
I will definitely be giving this a go, as I am not a fan of the USGI sling. Too small, too short, and stretches too much. I much prefer poly to cotton.
Nice shooting, Red Wing!
Another interesting possibility with the RLS - we had a shooter show up with a RLS on his rifle but he wanted to try the GI loop sling instead as he'd never been to Appleseed or used a GI sling before. We'd run out of slings to loan but noticed he'd installed his RLS backwards and lost the keeper somewhere along the way, it looked about like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/EoNWh7N.jpeg)
A quick detach of the rear QD, pull out a loop from the tri-glide, and you've got a near identical stand in for a GI sling:
(https://i.imgur.com/nH1LhaO.jpeg)
Adjusting the length was only slightly slower than with a GI sling, and it held tension very well. It was just a half day clinic so no AQTs but this shooter would've had a very good chance at shooting a Rifleman score using this setup at a two day event. I use the RLS on my main rifle and have grown to be a fan of it, but it hadn't occurred to me just how easy it was to adapt to directly replace a GI sling. Just another tool in the toolbox if someone is having trouble with their RLS and is open to some improvisation!
Now that's some quality IAO! :bow: O0
Quote from: Iborche on October 09, 2022, 12:47:32 AM
Another interesting possibility with the RLS - we had a shooter show up with a RLS on his rifle but he wanted to try the GI loop sling instead as he'd never been to Appleseed or used a GI sling before. We'd run out of slings to loan but noticed he'd installed his RLS backwards and lost the keeper somewhere along the way, it looked about like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/EoNWh7N.jpeg)
A quick detach of the rear QD, pull out a loop from the tri-glide, and you've got a near identical stand in for a GI sling:
(https://i.imgur.com/nH1LhaO.jpeg)
Adjusting the length was only slightly slower than with a GI sling, and it held tension very well. It was just a half day clinic so no AQTs but this shooter would've had a very good chance at shooting a Rifleman score using this setup at a two day event. I use the RLS on my main rifle and have grown to be a fan of it, but it hadn't occurred to me just how easy it was to adapt to directly replace a GI sling. Just another tool in the toolbox if someone is having trouble with their RLS and is open to some improvisation!
Quote from: Iborche on October 09, 2022, 12:47:32 AM
I use the RLS on my main rifle and have grown to be a fan of it, but it hadn't occurred to me just how easy it was to adapt to directly replace a GI sling. Just another tool in the toolbox if someone is having trouble with their RLS and is open to some improvisation!
Very nice!
Did my first AS with a Magpul MS1 and had a hard time establishing a loop. Ended up doing the entire course using a hasty setup and shot 200.
Afterwards, I went a bought a Magpul RLS. Just got it put together and am anxious to try it out at the range! Next AS is a Winterseed so I'm glad the loop is easily adjustable to fit over coats and other layers.
Everyone's tips, tricks and reviews were very helpful - thanks!
My wife and I both have the Quick Cuff sling. While the removable cuff is convenient to have it is painfully slow to adjust the sling for length. I would NOT recommend the Quick Cuff for Appleseed. We only use our Quick Cuffs on rifles that don't need frequent length adjustments. Mostly our heavy bolt guns setup for varmint shooting prone.
I recently scored Rifleman using this sling on Stages 1 and 2 (and a GI web sling for the remainder). Here's my 2 cents.
Having the chest contact from hasty on Stage 1 without having to readjust my GI sling was convenient. Being able to establish a loop while also maintaining full connectivity was vital to executing a quick yet safe transition to a stable position on Stage 2. My rifle balances at the center of the magwell, several inches behind my support hand, so with a GI sling the muzzle was eerily wobbly when dropping to seated the only way I know how (namely, by stepping my trigger foot behind the other foot, initiating a knee bend, and falling - a motion I cannot do in reverse so as to save my index point), and my kneeling position is thusfar unacceptable. By contrast, pushing away from the RLS sling made the muzzle "snap" to position and stay there as I dropped to seated. At the same time, this wasn't worthwhile for the remainder of the AQT: dropping to prone is more straightforward than to seated; the RLS seemed very able to loosen whenever I detached it from my rifle and left it on my arm; there seemed to be a component of the sling tension that pulled the loop down towards my elbow; and my rifle's rear QD sockets are on the sides rather than bottom dead center, which I suspect causes a slight cant when I relax into the prone position. (it could also have been an elbow-under-rifle deficiency, I haven't yet ruled that out)
Quote from: mmirate on June 12, 2023, 12:04:37 AM
I recently scored Rifleman using this sling on Stages 1 and 2 (and a GI web sling for the remainder). Here's my 2 cents.
Having the chest contact from hasty on Stage 1 without having to readjust my GI sling was convenient. Being able to establish a loop while also maintaining full connectivity was vital to executing a quick yet safe transition to a stable position on Stage 2. My rifle balances at the center of the magwell, several inches behind my support hand, so with a GI sling the muzzle was eerily wobbly when dropping to seated the only way I know how (namely, by stepping my trigger foot behind the other foot, initiating a knee bend, and falling - a motion I cannot do in reverse so as to save my index point), and my kneeling position is thusfar unacceptable. By contrast, pushing away from the RLS sling made the muzzle "snap" to position and stay there as I dropped to seated. At the same time, this wasn't worthwhile for the remainder of the AQT: dropping to prone is more straightforward than to seated; the RLS seemed very able to loosen whenever I detached it from my rifle and left it on my arm; there seemed to be a component of the sling tension that pulled the loop down towards my elbow; and my rifle's rear QD sockets are on the sides rather than bottom dead center, which I suspect causes a slight cant when I relax into the prone position. (it could also have been an elbow-under-rifle deficiency, I haven't yet ruled that out)
If I read your post correctly then it seems like you are keeping the rifle sling attached to your arm and using the qd points to disconnect from the rifle between stages. I call this method the lazy rifle method for gi sling users. Though no disrespect or disapproval is intended. The rls sling is designed so that the slider can rapidly adjust to the tension you need it to be at, which of course is dependent on which postion you intend to shoot from.
If you are using your qds to detach the rifle from yourself I would recommend trying to loosen the slider and pulling yourself free of the rifle when the cease fire is called.
1. The rls sling is designed for the person using it to customize its overall length as well as its loop to the users preference. Getting the loop portion centered exactly where you need it for all the positions is entirely user dependent.
2. By using the slider to provide tension you will find that you can find the sweet spot to maximize support before reaching the territory of over extended and canting the rifle. Thus benefits the user by having the ability to tighten the sling to each position quickly and efficiently more so in my opinion then using a gi sling with sharpie marks for prone, seated and standing
During your preparation period adjust the slider to your desired tension and work some dry fire drills to ensure you're set up. I think that would help with some of the issues you mentioned during the prone stages.
It does take a bit of set up to make the rls work but it really shines for what our course of fire requires. Other limitations like it sliding down on nylon outerwear are a different matter but try leaving it attached and I think you may like the results