The discussion opens with an overview of the McLean DRS core sling and an introduction to its designer, Neil McLean. He explains that the sling grew out of frustration with traditional single-point setups. Single-point slings allow easy shoulder transitions, movement around corners, and working over obstacles, but they become problematic when going hands-free. During tasks like climbing ladders or controlling a prisoner, the rifle tends to swing and impact the user, forcing constant manual control. Drawing on 11 years as a Navy SEAL doing VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure) work and frequent ladder climbs, McLean wanted a faster, simpler way to secure the gun without giving up the mobility of a single-point sling. This led to integrating a retention system directly into the sling rather than switching to a conventional two-point design.
The conversation compares common sling types. Traditional single-point slings, including bungee styles often used on MP5s, are praised for close-quarters maneuverability but criticized for poor control when the rifle is dropped or when both hands are needed. Three-point slings are mentioned as cumbersome and mainly comfortable only in a passive carry position, offering little advantage once it is time to shoot. Two-point slings, such as Blue Force Gear and Vickers Tactical styles, are recognized as strong options for distance shooting and longer guns, especially when cinched tight for stability out to extended ranges like 500 yards. However, for close-quarters work and frequent shoulder switching, McLean wanted to retain the benefits of a single-point while solving its lack of retention, rather than relying on multi-clip 2-to-1 conversion systems.
The hosts clarify that the McLean DRS sling is not a three-point sling, even though in its resting or “administrative mode” it may resemble one. In administrative carry, the rifle is pulled in tight and controlled against the body. When it is time to engage, a quick-release action converts it instantly back into a single-point configuration. A key feature is the integrated loop that controls both tension and attachment. Pulling the loop forward releases tension and opens up movement, while pulling it backward detaches the rifle from the retention position. This creates a single touch point that both frees the gun from the body and restores full single-point mobility with minimal wasted motion, allowing rapid transitions from secure carry to ready-to-fire status.
The sling is shown mounted on a CZ Bren 2 chambered in 5.56, set up for a CQB role. A Sylvan Arms adapter is used at the front, providing both a QD socket and a loop for hook-style attachments, and it mounts via M-LOK for straightforward installation. The host notes a preference for B5 Systems stocks and typically uses the built-in QD sockets at the rear when running two-point slings. McLean demonstrates an additional accessory for the B5 stock, designed by Paul Bergman, which is a swiveling attachment that installs into the bottom of the stock. This swivel allows the sling connection point to move side to side, making shoulder transitions easier while keeping the attachment away from the shooter’s knuckles. The part is described as a new, prototype-level accessory that is just entering the market.
The McLean DRS sling includes extensive adjustment to accommodate different body types and gear setups. McLean notes that the sling uses roughly nine feet of webbing, making it suitable for users wearing full kit, as long as overall girth remains under that length. The design is intended primarily for compact carbines and close-quarters work rather than long rifles. For extended-length guns or roles emphasizing distance shooting, McLean recommends two-point slings, which better support traditional looped carry and stability. The DRS is positioned as a solution for keeping a shorter rifle in the user’s working space, close to the body, while still enabling rapid access and movement. The goal is not to replace all sling types but to offer a focused option where CQB and frequent transitions are the priority.
Further detail is given on how the sling’s one-touch loop feature evolved. Initially, McLean used separate motions to loosen tension and detach the rifle from retention. A relative watching the setup at a gun show suggested combining both actions into a single control point. At first McLean doubted the idea, but after reconsidering the geometry, he realized it could work and redesigned the sling accordingly. The result is a loop that both cinches and releases, simplifying the manual of arms. McLean emphasizes that he does not view the DRS as universally superior; instead, it is optimized for CQC and smaller platforms where keeping the rifle tight yet instantly deployable is critical. He reiterates that two-point slings remain valuable for many roles, while three-point designs offer little practical benefit in his experience.
To demonstrate performance, the hosts set up steel or paper targets and run simple drills with the CZ Bren 2 and the McLean DRS sling. They start from the administrative mode with the rifle secured, then on the timer’s beep transition to a firing position, deliver controlled double taps, and return to administrative carry. A recorded time of 1.69 seconds for a drill with two shots is mentioned, indicating that the sling’s retention system does not significantly slow deployment. The focus is on how quickly the shooter can move from a secured, hands-free state to engaging targets, and then back to a safe, controlled carry. Observations highlight that the single touch loop and instant conversion back to single-point support efficient transitions without complex re-clipping or reconfiguring the sling.
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