Do You Need A Sling On A Home Defense Gun

Rifle Slings For Home Defense

When deployed properly, a rifle sling offers additional support and enhanced weapon retention while at the range or in the field. This ensures that shooters maintain complete control of their firearm at all times, even when performing physically demanding tasks such as crossing rough, uneven terrain.

Slings also allow the user to transition to a sidearm or go hands on without losing their primary firearm. Simply put, slings are very useful - so, why wouldn't you want one on a home defense rifle?

McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling Black
McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling Black
$74 99
McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling Coyote Tan
McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling Coyote Tan
$74 99
McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling OD Green
McLean Corp Dynamic Retention Single Point / Two Point Conversion Sling OD Green
$74 99

Necessary Or Not?

The inherent disadvantages of rifle slings become glaringly obvious in the context of home defense. For instance, a sling adds extra material to your gun and requires additional time to put on. This means that if you need to get your rifle into the fight immediately, you will have several feet of cord / fabric that could impede effective firearm manipulation without conveying any of the benefits that rifle slings provide.

Moreover, even if you're able to swim through the sling, unless you're actively searching and clearing your house, you may not even need it. A solid light / optic combo or an ergonomic foregrip may be a more prudent investment when accessorizing a designated home defense rifle. 

Blue Force Gear VCAS200OABK Vickers Adjustable x 2" None Included Swivel Nylon Hardware Cordura Black Padded
Blue Force Gear VCAS200OABK Vickers Adjustable x 2" None Included Swivel Nylon Hardware Cordura Black Padded
$72 95
Blue Force Gear VCAS200OACB Vickers Adjustable x 2" None Included Swivel Nylon Hardware Cordura Coyote Tan Padded
Blue Force Gear VCAS200OACB Vickers Adjustable x 2" None Included Swivel Nylon Hardware Cordura Coyote Tan Padded
$72 95

This is not to say that you cannot have a sling on your home defense gun, only that it is not strictly necessary for most individuals. If you'd prefer to have a sling just in case you need to use both hands (carrying your child to safety, barricading a door, etc.), then a sling like the Blue Force Gear Vickers model above would be an effective compromise. 

This particular configuration of two-point sling features a quick-adjust pull tab so it can be stowed close to the rifle, loosened to put on, then secured to your body prior to moving out. It was designed for rapid deployment in the field, which also makes it an excellent choice for CQB inside your house or apartment.

More On Home Defense

Of course, there are many other considerations when choosing your home defense setup - rifle selection, caliber / ammunition type, lights, lasers, and more. A sling is but a small part of a much larger system. The Classic Firearms team put out a podcast with our thoughts on all of the above, plus other important things to keep in mind when deciding how best to protect your home and everything within.

Select your next rifle sling!