The video is filmed at Take Aim Training and Range and focuses on sling manipulation and how quickly different AR-15 slings allow a rifle to be brought into action. Three slings are compared: the Magpul MS1 two-point sling, a T-Rex Arms two-point sling, and the MLAN Core single-point sling. All have been used previously by the shooters, so there is existing familiarity with each model. The drill is a simple one-shot exercise on a large silhouette target at roughly 15 yards. The rifle starts slung behind the back, then is brought up to the shoulder for a single shot. Each sling is tested from the same starting position, with three timed runs per sling to see which setup enables the fastest first shot on target.
The first sling tested is the Magpul MS1, a comfortable two-point sling that can be cinched tightly to the body. Using the one-shot drill, the first run with the Magpul MS1 records a 2.20-second time. A second attempt improves to 1.95 seconds, with similar shot placement, though the Aimpoint optic on the rifle clearly needs a better zero, requiring a hold high and left. A third run with the Magpul MS1 produces a best time of 1.78 seconds. During these runs, the main issue noted is difficulty quickly locating and operating the adjustment hardware under speed, especially when trying to loosen the sling from a tight carry position in a way that feels natural under mild stress.
Next, the T-Rex Arms sling is tested. It is set up with a QD attachment at the front and the rear of the sling looped directly through a B5 Systems stock. The sling is appreciated for its simplicity and clean routing, staying out of the way when the rifle is shouldered. With 5.56/.223 recoil being mild, the focus is on how easily the sling can be adjusted. Compared to the Magpul MS1, the T-Rex Arms sling offers larger, more accessible material to grab for quick loosening, allowing the rifle to come off the body faster. On the timer, the first run comes in at 1.79 seconds, already close to the Magpul’s best. A fumbled second run is slower at 2.17 seconds, and a third run lands at 1.84 seconds. The best time with the T-Rex Arms sling remains 1.79 seconds, just behind the Magpul MS1’s 1.78 seconds.
The final sling is the MLAN Core, a single-point design with an “administrative mode.” A pull on a dedicated loop releases the sling from its stowed position, giving full rifle movement. This setup is considered well-suited to CQB or shorter rifles, though it is being demonstrated on a full-length rifle. The single-point configuration allows easy weak-side transitions but lets the muzzle hang low when the rifle is dropped, especially with the rear attachment point far back on the stock instead of near the lower receiver. In the timed drill, the first run is 2.42 seconds due to fumbling the grip. The second run improves sharply to 1.76 seconds, and the third reaches 1.70 seconds, the fastest time of all three slings. The large, easy-to-grab release loop on the MLAN Core is highlighted as a key advantage, and concerns about snagging in the woods have not been borne out in actual use.
After three runs with each sling, the MLAN Core single-point sling posts the best time at 1.70 seconds. The Magpul MS1 follows closely at 1.78 seconds, and the T-Rex Arms sling at 1.79 seconds. The MLAN Core’s quick-release loop is credited for the speed advantage. The shooter notes a long-standing preference for two-point slings, particularly the Magpul MS series, due to their tensioning capability and general versatility. However, the MLAN Core changed that view on single-point slings after extended use. There is interest in a follow-up comparison involving rifle-to-pistol transitions, especially using the MLAN Core against two-point slings like the Magpul MS and T-Rex Arms. For that test, a shorter rifle such as a Mk18 with a QD mount near the rear of the lower receiver is preferred to keep the muzzle from hanging too low during transitions.
The rifle used in the drills is equipped with a SureFire Scout weapon light and a SureFire muzzle device. The sling tested last is the MLAN Core. The front grip is a TangoDown vertical grip, and the optic is an Aimpoint T2 mounted in a Scalarworks mount. The rear sight is a Knights Armament unit, and the handguard is also a Knights Armament rail. The stock and pistol grip are from B5 Systems. A BAD Lever is installed on the rifle for enhanced bolt catch manipulation. The magazine is a standard Magpul Gen 3 PMAG. The trigger is a Geissele flat-face two-stage unit. These components form the complete AR-15 setup used to evaluate the Magpul MS1, T-Rex Arms, and MLAN Core slings during the timed one-shot drills.
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