The use of a sling has been proven to be beneficial to a shooter’s accuracy since the invention of the rifle. Slings are as much a part of the history and lore of our country as the rifle itself, and they have evolved alongside our rifles over the last few hundred years. Today, there are dozens if not hundreds of sling manufacturers, with only a few major styles. Slings can be broken down into these groups: the traditional two point sling, single point sling, three point sling, and what I like to refer to as hybrid slings.
We will be taking a closer look at two slings that fit the hybrid category, the C1 & C2 Tactical Slings from Red Rock Outdoor Gear. I refer to them as “hybrid” because they can be used as a traditional two point sling, or as a single point sling. Recently you may have noticed that we featured several other pieces of Red Rock Outdoor Gear here at The Load Out Room. Nicholas Irving did a review of the Deluxe Rifle Backpack, which he praised for its comfort, and durability. The Summit Daypack was featured by Robert McCartney, also passing its series of tests and evaluations. Most recently, Robert tested two other slings both made by Red Rock Outdoor Gear. So you can see a trend forming. We like their gear and we are not gentle with it.
In order to perform any comparison or laboratory type tests, you need to create a neutral examining field to evaluate both slings with a known quantity or condition equally. During the evaluation, the control variable used to test both the C1 and the C2 was an AR-15 rifle. The rifle was outfitted with 11 oz YHM3100 Sound Suppressor, an Eotech 512 optic, and a loaded thirty round Lancer polymer magazine. The AR-15 came it at 9.6 lbs according to the most accurate scale I own. I attached the rifle to each sling, separately, and carried it over the same 3.5 mile course. This is also a similar distance used during an offset infiltration onto a high value targets’s (HVT) location. I used my Garmin GPS to ensure I stayed on the same course. As I said, the only independent variable was the sling used in order to ensure an efficient and equal test. Lets take a look at the specifications.
C1 Tactical Sling:
- Stainless Steel H&K style hook
- Designed for ambidextrous use
- Rapid 2-to-1 point conversion
- Quick release buckle for easy detachment
- Made with 1.25” wide nylon webbing
- Adjustable length from 34” to 55”
- MSRP — $40.00
C2 Tactical Sling:
- Stainless Steel H&K sytle hook
- Designed for ambidextrous use
- Rapid 2-to-1 point conversion
- Quick Release buckle for easy detachment
- Made with extra wide 2” elastic webbing for comfort
- Adjustable length from 34” to 55”
- MSRP — $50.00
Head to Head Evaluation:
The C2 sling was first to be evaluated. I was intrigued by the semi elastic webbing when I was first handed the package the sling came in. I have never owned a rifle sling that had any amount of elasticity to it, so naturally I wanted to explore the unknown first. I noticed that the stitching on the sling is very well done, and the two inch wide strap is an improvement over the 1.25″ strap. The H&K style hooks provided a secure mounting point to the rifle. After putting the 9.6 lbs of AR-15 around my neck, I immediately realized it had been a long time since I carried a weapon over my neck, and had to take a moment to adjust to the weight. I’m not asking for sympathy, I just want the readers to know that I did this experiment in the name of pseudo science. Down the trail I went, climbing down hillsides, over weed covered boulders, which took their pound of flesh off my legs as well.
Descending the 100 feet wasn’t difficult, but I did notice the rifle bouncing up and down more than expected. Once on flatter ground, I left the rifle slung in the Low Ready position for approximately fifty percent of the hike. That’s when the elasticity of the webbing showed its true colors, mainly its noticeable bouncing movement, and I quickly began to think it would be an interesting hike. To some, 9.6 lbs of AR-15 bouncing around isn’t a big deal. However, to someone who hasn’t slung a weapon in a while, or to those who have never carried a weapon a few miles before, it can begin to fatigue the shoulder. The additional movement of the rifle and sling combination can add an awkwardness to one’s gait. Overall, the hike was tolerable with the C2.
The C1:
The C1 sling is 1.25” wide, and features the same H&K style clip as the C2. That is where the similarities between the two end. The nylon webbing of the C1 is similar to more conventional slings, such as the Blue Force Gear slings, and standard issue military issue slings. There is very little elasticity to the material in the C1, with little to no sag or stretch detectable. This was beneficial to me on the same measured 3.5 mile course that I tested the C2 on days earlier. The weather conditions were clear skies, with the temperature in the mid 80s, almost identical to the first test condition.
While descending the hill, the rifle fitted with the C1 still bounced, but it was not as pronounced as with the C2. On the flatter terrain, I once again carried the rifle at the Low Ready position approximately fifty percent of the hike. I made sure to follow my GPS and walked the same path with downed trees, and even stepped in the same smelly nasty sinkhole of water, all in the name of pseudo science. The C1 felt much better on my shoulder than the C2. Don’t get me wrong, I was still very aware that I was carrying an extra 9.6 lbs, but it felt more controlled and secure. The only change I would make to the C1 is to adjust it’s width to match that of the C2.
Final Evaluation:
Head to Head, I prefer the C1 overall. That’s not to say the C2 is in anyway a defective product. The C1 and C2 Tactical Slings are both well built with plenty of support stitching and ability to adjust quickly. I used both slings as single point style slings while performing drills, transitioning from rifle to pistol shooting. After repeated attempts, I can honestly say that I feel much safer and more comfortable using both slings as two point slings. I was trained on a traditional sling and it just feels more natural.
Thanks for taking the time to read our review of the Red Rock Outdoor Gear C1 & C2 Tactical Slings.
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— Rick
