Tactical slling for 870

[BunnySlayer]

I have some up coming training and competitions with my shotgun and as such I will need a sling. Being new to competing and training with scatterguns I wondered if anyone had any recommendations on which one to get and why?

[esskay]

What sort of competition? You generally won't need a sling for 3-gun type matches.

For training, either a 2-pt or single point sling would be fine.

[BunnySlayer]

Sorry Esskay didn't mean to be vague. This will be my first three gun and I didn't know if a needed the sling or not. Training will be with Bill Murphy at FTA. I don't know what functions the sling will be asked to perform but I was told it was best to have one. On your recommendations can you tell me who makes the best ones to get that are the least hassel to install? I think Id probably like the one that allows the weapon to hang in front giving access to a holster but I don't know enough to make an intelligent selection.

[ccandgc]

I just got a Mike's Law Enforsement slint for my 870 yesterday. It's nice!

[esskay]

Bill at FTA runs a regular ole two point sling on the standard sling points on his shotgun (which is also his baseline recommendation for sling setup). He'll teach you how to run the gun with that type of sling, including how to deal with transitions to your secondary (which you can imagine end up being one-handed). Not sure if you're taking the basic or advanced course, and whether they cover transitions in the basic class (they do in the advanced).

That said, I ran a single point on my 870 at his class. Used a GG&G sling mount that goes between the receiver and buttstock (to install you remove the buttstock, place the sling mount in there, then reattach the buttstock), and clipped my Magpul MS/2 sling into it. Wouldn't say I was totally happy with the setup; still mulling how to tweak it... If you have a straight stock on your shotgun, a receiver mount will interfere somewhat when you shoot from the support side. Should add that during the transition drills, I went along with the drills as taught so I never actually dumped the shotgun to go to my secondary two-handed -- I followed along with the one-handed techniques being taught.

I think there was only one other fellow in my class who didn't have a standard old school sling, and most of FTA's manipulations/etc focused around that type of setup. So I'd say if you just go with a regular sling you'd be fine for the class. You probably have one lying around somewhere, so just thread it on (assuming you already have sling loops on your 870??).

Don't forget to think through your ammo carriage too -- i.e. side saddle, belt-mounted shell carriers, etc. Loading entirely from a dump pouch or your pockets is a drag!

You'll also spend time patterning your shotgun so bring whatever defensive ammo you have for your gun.

Good luck, you should have a great time and learn a lot.

[BunnySlayer]

Thanks Esskey,

Have tons of training, practice and competition with handguns but this will be my first defensive training with a scattergun unless one thinks of quail as dangerous adversaries! My 870 is already pretty well set up with Surefire fore end, straight stock, mag extension and sidesaddle but I didn't as yet have a sling nor made a selection for one. Thanks for the advice! I'll have to drill my butt stock for a swivel but my fore end is already drilled. GUess I'll go with the regular old fashioned sling.

[atasty39]

I purchased a sling from Specter Gear and attach it using Uncle Mike's Sling Swivels. Here is a page with the different ways to use a sling:

http://www.spectergear.com/carry-options.asp

I have not been to any trainings, but I really like the quality of the materials and workmanship. YMMV