A sling is sometimes left out of the discussion when it comes to essential accessories for your tactical rifle, but you can bet whether your firearm’s purpose is hunting, self-defense, competition or just plain shooting fun, a sling will make your long gun far more functional and comfortable to carry.

Fortunately, unlike a traditional rifle that generally is carried with a single-design, two-point attachment sling, fastened toward the rear of the stock and at the front of the forend and must be slung over a shoulder. Tactical firearms give the shooter options. FAB Defense, which offers Israeli Defense Forces slings in three styles, offers this insight on what to consider when choosing the best sling for your rifle and your situation:

Single-Point Sling

The single-point sling is the most flexible for CQB (close quarters battle) combat. It does not hold the weapon as tight to the body as a three-point sling, but does allow greater maneuverability of the weapon. It is preferred by many who are working in and out of vehicles and need the greatest flexibility and speed. With a bungee-type single-point sling such as the FAB Defense Bungee Sling, the rifle instantly retracts to a high-ready position when released. It is also one of the simplest slings to attach and use. On the flip side, if you need your hands for carrying other gear or performing tasks, this is the least practical sling, since when moving with a single-point sling, at least one hand generally needs to be on the firearm.

Two-Point Sling

Two-point slings are the traditional style of sling, originally intended to be attached to the front and rear of the firearm. Like the single-point sling, they are very simple to use, hold the firearm out of the way when carrying other items and holds the rifle fairly snug to the body. FAB Defense’s SL-1 can be used as a traditional two-point sling, attached at the stock and rear of the handguard or with both ends attached to a single point for use like a single-point sling. It is also designed so that it can function as a three-point sling if desired providing the most versatility. Shoulder-to-shoulder transitions when shooting and moving can be a little more cumbersome with a two-point, which on several message boards, is the biggest complaint for this style of sling.

Three-Point Sling

Three-point slings are the most secure style, holding the firearm close against the chest. When a three-point sling is used, the rifle can hang hands-free while the person is moving and working with both hands (or carrying other objects).  The three-point sling is the most complex and also the least flexible when entering or exiting vehicles, however. It also makes it difficult to use the firearm to strike an enemy or attacker if needed as it is secured more solidly to the body. FAB Defense’s SL-2 three-point sling is designed to eliminate this concern, however, as it is made to transition instantly to a single-point sling with a few quick adjustments.