Where the sling attaches changes how the rifle hangs and handles. The tenth video in the Gun Websites AR15 Stocks series covers the options at the rear of the rifle.
On the stock
- Military-style fixed sling swivels, some removable with a single screw.
- Slots cut into the stock for a sling to pass through.
- Built-in quick-detach (QD) sockets: press the button, the ball bearings retract, insert the swivel and release to lock it. Many QD swivels rotate fully.
At the receiver end plate
- Many shooters prefer the sling attached closer to the receiver than at the back of the stock.
- End plates with sling loops on one or both sides.
- End plates with a QD socket. The castle nut and receiver extension limit how far that swivel rotates.
- Inexpensive bulky end-plate loops work, but snag easily.
- Some attachments serve only one side, which is no help to a left-handed shooter.
On a rifle stock
- With no end plate to swap, a bracket around the stock can add QD sockets. A low-profile option, but around $60 or more at the time.
On the receiver extension
- A clamp-on QD mount on the tube, such as the Tango Down PR4, adds a sling point without taking the rifle apart. Strong and popular, though not inexpensive.
More
- See AR 15 Slings, the AR15 Stock page and AR-15 Butt Pads.
Based on a video from the Gun Websites YouTube channel. New to the AR-15? Start with Where To Start.