Magpul MS4 Dual QDM Sling: Affordability Meets Performance

As many of you might agree, rifle slings are a must-have piece of tactical duty gear. They make it easier (and in some cases, safer) to carry and deploy your weapon. In duty applications, rifle slings keep your rifle safely attached to your body while running to an active scene, while also preventing assailants from easily wrestling the gun away from you in a physical brawl. Needless to say, there are endless benefits to equipping your rifle with an adjustable rifle sling. But with so many different designs out there, which is right for you?

Well, to begin, we should probably cover the purpose of a sling, right? Generally speaking (and as many fellow contributors have previously mentioned), slings are much like a holster for a long gun. On the surface, a sling sits over your shoulder for hands-free carry, reduced fatigue, and simple control of your long gun while moving about.

While single-point slings have gained popularity in recent years, there are compelling reasons why a two-point sling is a superior option. A good sling helps stabilize your rifle, providing a bit of extra control and maneuverability in a variety of shooting positions, yielding better accuracy, improved weapon handling, and reduced fatigue. The Magpul MS4 Dual QD two-point sling does both: It sits over your shoulder for hands-free carry and offers improved weapon control and stability.

Components and Design

The Magpul MS4 QDM Sling is designed to accommodate a wide range of firearms and shooting styles. It can be easily adjusted to suit various body sizes and gear setups, making it suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. Its compatibility with QD sling swivel sockets ensures seamless integration with a variety of rifle platforms, allowing users to enjoy its benefits across different firearms.

Based on input from military and law enforcement professionals, the MS4 Dual QD Sling is both comfortable and functional, with a wide range of customization options to fit any user’s needs. The nylon webbing strap is thick and durable, able to withstand the rigors of heavy use in the field. The low-profile polymer adjustment buckle is smooth and easy to handle, reducing the risk of snagging or catching on other gear. Further, the MS4 Dual QD Sling offers a wide range of adjustability, keeping you in full control for a more reliable fit when transitioning between targets, running to cover, transitioning to a sidearm or secondary weapon, and so on. One potential flaw that I did take note of is that the adjuster can be a bit tricky to manipulate, particularly for those who are inexperienced or might be used to a different system. However, once you get the hang of it (and get the sizing right), adjusting the sling is relatively straightforward.

The MS4 QDM sling easily switches from a single-point configuration to a 2-point configuration and back again. (Photo: Magpul)

The sling’s design allows it to be used in a single-point or two-point configuration, depending on the shooter’s preference. The quick-detach swivel connectors make it easy to change between configurations on the fly, which is particularly useful for law enforcement and military personnel when deploying their rifle in chaotic and rapidly changing scenarios.

Practical or Nah?

There’s an age-old discussion around whether a single-point sling or two-point sling is the best option for tactical ops. Some argue that the single-point design is faster to deploy and easier to carry, while others claim that the traditional two-point design is more comfortable and easier to control. I’m in that second camp.

Two-point slings are, in my opinion, the best slings on the market. Single-point slings are unwieldy and bob around too much when running. They’re just not safe or comfortable. Again, that’s just my opinion. But the MS4 Dual sling is unique in that you can quickly switch between single-point and two-point configurations in a single motion using a custom steel connection ring. It’s a dependable all-in-one sling, working with users who prefer single-point slings, or two-point slings, and the ability to convert back and forth between the two in a single, easy-to-use platform.

In the single-point configuration, the rifle tends to swing and dangle. This is neither comfortable nor safe. It feels unwieldy and, when running, the rifle can be hard to control and could potentially be a tripping hazard. I tried tightening the sling to bring it a little higher and closer to my body, but I found that it was difficult to don or remove it once it was tightened up.

So, if you’re experimenting with single-point and two-point slings to figure out which technique you prefer, the MS4 allows you to do that without any permanent modification or purchasing multiple slings. That’s a huge win, both in terms of cost and practicality. You get the best of both worlds in a single package.

I ran the sling in both single-point and two-point configurations. In the single-point configuration, it was fairly easy to drop the rifle down at my side to switch to my secondary weapon or run to cover. But it bounced around quite a bit, creating a bit of unnecessary pressure on my neck and shoulder. Further, when I knelt down, the muzzle of my rifle went straight down into the dirt before the weight of the receiver caused the rifle to lean and reenact the final sinking scene from Titanic. As such, I felt I’d lost all muzzle discipline as my rifle bobbed about, which is a major point of contention for me.

In the two-point configuration, I felt I had more control over the rifle as I moved with my sidearm, and when kneeling, I just kind of adjusted the rifle a bit further to my left and was able to retain control of the muzzle.

The one downside I experienced, though, was that the adjustment tab was a bit of a booger at first. It took some time to set up the sling to fit my short torso and broad shoulders. But once I got there, it was comfortable and incredibly stable.

Two Are Better Than One

One of the primary concerns when handling firearms is maintaining control and retention of the weapon. In this regard, a two-point sling offers distinct advantages over a single-point sling. With a two-point sling, the firearm is securely attached at two separate points—typically near the front and rear of the rifle. This configuration provides enhanced stability, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring that the weapon stays within reach during dynamic situations.

Notice how the rifle sits close to the body at a slight angle. This allows for a full range of hands-free motion and quick deployment.

Further, a two-point sling allows for better weight distribution across the body, reducing fatigue and strain on the shooter. The Magpul MS4 QDM Sling is designed to facilitate quick and seamless transitions between shoulder positions, allowing users to easily switch from a primary shooting position to a secondary position or transition to a sidearm without forfeiting control of the firearm.

By utilizing two attachment points, the MS4 is closely anchored to your body, which enhances stability and eliminates any unnecessary movement for improved accuracy and smoother handling.

But again, the MS4 does it all, so feel free to experiment with both configurations to find what works for you.

Conclusion

Overall, the Magpul MS4 rifle sling is a versatile and valuable accessory for gun enthusiasts of all levels. While single-point slings have their merits, a two-point sling offers superior safety, reliability, and versatility. The Magpul MS4 QDM Sling stands out as a high-quality option that combines robust construction, ease of use, and advanced features. It’s affordable, reliable, and highly adjustable, making it a must-have for shooters of all disciplines. Whether in a single-point or two-point configuration, the Magpul MS4 rifle sling offers unparalleled flexibility and reliability, and I’d be more than willing to trust my life with it if things got hot.