Archived Posts » 59,859,448
Whats the story with the (vaporware?) Magpul MS3 sling I've read mentioned at this site?
10/17/2011 5:03:10 AM
I remember reading in 1 or more threads about the MS2 sling, and some people mentioned that Magpul is going to be making an MS3 sling.
What I want to know is does anyone know what's going to be different about it?
I use an MS2 and love it, I was amazed that a sling could be so amazing, a couple of years ago when I saw videos at youtube of it being demonstrated at the 2009 shot show, I was sold, and have never seen a sling design since that I thought was as good. I was shocked, when recently I started reading threads in this sub-forum about the MS2, and so many people were complaining that they though it sucked.
The main things I was able to glean from the arguments that seemed the most common complaints were that the material is too thin and digs into your shoulder, and it's noisy. I do agree that it could be improved if the material was 1.25" wide, though since my rifle is <7lb. empty, and I haven't carried it for a prolonged period of time, it hasn't been much of an issue for me, but I can see that it could. The noisiness doesn't really bother me. The only other things I don't like are relatively minor, and would be almost impossible to "fix"; for a sling, it seems excessively heavy, but this is due to the very robust design of it's hardware, which is also one of it's strong points. Probably the only things that could be done to lighten it would be if it had more thinly/weakly constructed hardware, or if they were made of titanium which would be extremely expensive. Also the adjustment loop is bulky, and it gets in the way/gets caught on stuff, including my non-firing hand sometimes during various weapon manipulations, particularly when trying to acquire the rifle quickly from hands-free positions, whether hanging in front of me, or slung on my back, or trying to get it onto my back.
I don't know if the new sling they're supposedly making is going to be based on the MS2, or designed from the ground up, but I think that with so much good in the design of MS2, it would be a good starting point to modify.
The good things about the MS2 that I like it so much are:
Convertible between 1 and 2 point configuration
Switching from 1-2 point can be done very easily and quickly
Sling material is very strong, soft, and silky smooth, infinitely better than typical nylon webbing which is very rough/scratchy
I like the design of the lockjaw, it allows for very secure attachment that's almost impossible to accidentally detach
Quickly/easily adjustable
The things I can think of that could be improved:
Sling material should be 1.25"wide
Quick adjustment contraption needs to be a much lower profile that does get in the way/snag so easily
If possible, make it lighter without sacrificing strength
Quieter
I'm not particularly a fan of the snap shackle, but if it were retained, I would like to see the lanyard+keyring replaced with a knurled knob or similar
Of course, this is just my pipe dream of what would be the my perfect/ideal sling design, I have no idea what they're actually going to do.
What I want to know is does anyone know what's going to be different about it?
I use an MS2 and love it, I was amazed that a sling could be so amazing, a couple of years ago when I saw videos at youtube of it being demonstrated at the 2009 shot show, I was sold, and have never seen a sling design since that I thought was as good. I was shocked, when recently I started reading threads in this sub-forum about the MS2, and so many people were complaining that they though it sucked.
The main things I was able to glean from the arguments that seemed the most common complaints were that the material is too thin and digs into your shoulder, and it's noisy. I do agree that it could be improved if the material was 1.25" wide, though since my rifle is <7lb. empty, and I haven't carried it for a prolonged period of time, it hasn't been much of an issue for me, but I can see that it could. The noisiness doesn't really bother me. The only other things I don't like are relatively minor, and would be almost impossible to "fix"; for a sling, it seems excessively heavy, but this is due to the very robust design of it's hardware, which is also one of it's strong points. Probably the only things that could be done to lighten it would be if it had more thinly/weakly constructed hardware, or if they were made of titanium which would be extremely expensive. Also the adjustment loop is bulky, and it gets in the way/gets caught on stuff, including my non-firing hand sometimes during various weapon manipulations, particularly when trying to acquire the rifle quickly from hands-free positions, whether hanging in front of me, or slung on my back, or trying to get it onto my back.
I don't know if the new sling they're supposedly making is going to be based on the MS2, or designed from the ground up, but I think that with so much good in the design of MS2, it would be a good starting point to modify.
The good things about the MS2 that I like it so much are:
Convertible between 1 and 2 point configuration
Switching from 1-2 point can be done very easily and quickly
Sling material is very strong, soft, and silky smooth, infinitely better than typical nylon webbing which is very rough/scratchy
I like the design of the lockjaw, it allows for very secure attachment that's almost impossible to accidentally detach
Quickly/easily adjustable
The things I can think of that could be improved:
Sling material should be 1.25"wide
Quick adjustment contraption needs to be a much lower profile that does get in the way/snag so easily
If possible, make it lighter without sacrificing strength
Quieter
I'm not particularly a fan of the snap shackle, but if it were retained, I would like to see the lanyard+keyring replaced with a knurled knob or similar
Of course, this is just my pipe dream of what would be the my perfect/ideal sling design, I have no idea what they're actually going to do.
10/17/2011 11:45:55 AM
http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG503/120
I've been checking their site from time to time and i've noticed they now have a price and states "coming this winter". Which could mean anything from November to Febuary I suppose.
Its all speculation, but the biggest difference I can see is the hardware. It looks to be much improved.
My issue was the old stuff was some kind of painted brass, and the paint/coating would always flake off.
I've been checking their site from time to time and i've noticed they now have a price and states "coming this winter". Which could mean anything from November to Febuary I suppose.
Its all speculation, but the biggest difference I can see is the hardware. It looks to be much improved.
My issue was the old stuff was some kind of painted brass, and the paint/coating would always flake off.
10/17/2011 9:37:07 PM
Originally Posted By Jolkm:
I remember reading in 1 or more threads about the MS2 sling, and some people mentioned that Magpul is going to be making an MS3 sling.
What I want to know is does anyone know what's going to be different about it?
I use an MS2 and love it, I was amazed that a sling could be so amazing, a couple of years ago when I saw videos at youtube of it being demonstrated at the 2009 shot show, I was sold, and have never seen a sling design since that I thought was as good. I was shocked, when recently I started reading threads in this sub-forum about the MS2, and so many people were complaining that they though it sucked.
The main things I was able to glean from the arguments that seemed the most common complaints were that the material is too thin and digs into your shoulder, and it's noisy. I do agree that it could be improved if the material was 1.25" wide, though since my rifle is <7lb. empty, and I haven't carried it for a prolonged period of time, it hasn't been much of an issue for me, but I can see that it could. The noisiness doesn't really bother me. The only other things I don't like are relatively minor, and would be almost impossible to "fix"; for a sling, it seems excessively heavy, but this is due to the very robust design of it's hardware, which is also one of it's strong points. Probably the only things that could be done to lighten it would be if it had more thinly/weakly constructed hardware, or if they were made of titanium which would be extremely expensive. Also the adjustment loop is bulky, and it gets in the way/gets caught on stuff, including my non-firing hand sometimes during various weapon manipulations, particularly when trying to acquire the rifle quickly from hands-free positions, whether hanging in front of me, or slung on my back, or trying to get it onto my back.
I don't know if the new sling they're supposedly making is going to be based on the MS2, or designed from the ground up, but I think that with so much good in the design of MS2, it would be a good starting point to modify.
The good things about the MS2 that I like it so much are:
Convertible between 1 and 2 point configuration
Switching from 1-2 point can be done very easily and quickly
Sling material is very strong, soft, and silky smooth, infinitely better than typical nylon webbing which is very rough/scratchy
I like the design of the lockjaw, it allows for very secure attachment that's almost impossible to accidentally detach
Quickly/easily adjustable
The things I can think of that could be improved:
Sling material should be 1.25"wide
Quick adjustment contraption needs to be a much lower profile that does get in the way/snag so easily
If possible, make it lighter without sacrificing strength
Quieter
I'm not particularly a fan of the snap shackle, but if it were retained, I would like to see the lanyard+keyring replaced with a knurled knob or similar
Of course, this is just my pipe dream of what would be the my perfect/ideal sling design, I have no idea what they're actually going to do.
I remember reading in 1 or more threads about the MS2 sling, and some people mentioned that Magpul is going to be making an MS3 sling.
What I want to know is does anyone know what's going to be different about it?
I use an MS2 and love it, I was amazed that a sling could be so amazing, a couple of years ago when I saw videos at youtube of it being demonstrated at the 2009 shot show, I was sold, and have never seen a sling design since that I thought was as good. I was shocked, when recently I started reading threads in this sub-forum about the MS2, and so many people were complaining that they though it sucked.
The main things I was able to glean from the arguments that seemed the most common complaints were that the material is too thin and digs into your shoulder, and it's noisy. I do agree that it could be improved if the material was 1.25" wide, though since my rifle is <7lb. empty, and I haven't carried it for a prolonged period of time, it hasn't been much of an issue for me, but I can see that it could. The noisiness doesn't really bother me. The only other things I don't like are relatively minor, and would be almost impossible to "fix"; for a sling, it seems excessively heavy, but this is due to the very robust design of it's hardware, which is also one of it's strong points. Probably the only things that could be done to lighten it would be if it had more thinly/weakly constructed hardware, or if they were made of titanium which would be extremely expensive. Also the adjustment loop is bulky, and it gets in the way/gets caught on stuff, including my non-firing hand sometimes during various weapon manipulations, particularly when trying to acquire the rifle quickly from hands-free positions, whether hanging in front of me, or slung on my back, or trying to get it onto my back.
I don't know if the new sling they're supposedly making is going to be based on the MS2, or designed from the ground up, but I think that with so much good in the design of MS2, it would be a good starting point to modify.
The good things about the MS2 that I like it so much are:
Convertible between 1 and 2 point configuration
Switching from 1-2 point can be done very easily and quickly
Sling material is very strong, soft, and silky smooth, infinitely better than typical nylon webbing which is very rough/scratchy
I like the design of the lockjaw, it allows for very secure attachment that's almost impossible to accidentally detach
Quickly/easily adjustable
The things I can think of that could be improved:
Sling material should be 1.25"wide
Quick adjustment contraption needs to be a much lower profile that does get in the way/snag so easily
If possible, make it lighter without sacrificing strength
Quieter
I'm not particularly a fan of the snap shackle, but if it were retained, I would like to see the lanyard+keyring replaced with a knurled knob or similar
Of course, this is just my pipe dream of what would be the my perfect/ideal sling design, I have no idea what they're actually going to do.
I wonder if you just described the ms3?
12/5/2011 3:57:50 PM
Magpul guys were showing it off at Larue Range Day. The material looked good and the hooks were of a new design that looked good. They only had 1.
12/9/2011 3:47:14 AM
I just received an e-mail from DSG Arms yesterday showing the MS3 sling but also shows them as preorder, with 5 percent discount on all Magpul products until 1/01/2012, also free shipping over $99 orders using their published coupon codes.
I don't think they're vaporware since more and more dealers are adding them to their sites.
http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/MAG503BLK.aspx
I don't think they're vaporware since more and more dealers are adding them to their sites.
http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/MAG503BLK.aspx
12/9/2011 7:54:16 AM
12/9/2011 9:42:45 AM
Meh, the MS2 isn't one of MagPul's strongest offerings.
It's definitely not the only 1-2 PT convertible sling setup out there, or the easiest of them to use, nor was it anywhere resembling the first. But, I guess more people became aware of them after the MS2.
The problem with the MS2 is that it's pretty much only and solidly designed for carbine classes and carbine class-style shooting. Dynamic, fast paced, fun, but they made it too far specific for only the one role that it's a pain in the ass for just about any other sling application, it's poor for extended carry and wear.
I don't think the MS3 is going to be too much of an advancement over the MS2 - all it is is different webbing and buckles. There's just too many better designs out there.
~Augee
It's definitely not the only 1-2 PT convertible sling setup out there, or the easiest of them to use, nor was it anywhere resembling the first. But, I guess more people became aware of them after the MS2.
The problem with the MS2 is that it's pretty much only and solidly designed for carbine classes and carbine class-style shooting. Dynamic, fast paced, fun, but they made it too far specific for only the one role that it's a pain in the ass for just about any other sling application, it's poor for extended carry and wear.
I don't think the MS3 is going to be too much of an advancement over the MS2 - all it is is different webbing and buckles. There's just too many better designs out there.
~Augee
12/9/2011 8:17:10 PM
Originally Posted By Augee:
Meh, the MS2 isn't one of MagPul's strongest offerings.
It's definitely not the only 1-2 PT convertible sling setup out there, or the easiest of them to use, nor was it anywhere resembling the first. But, I guess more people became aware of them after the MS2.
The problem with the MS2 is that it's pretty much only and solidly designed for carbine classes and carbine class-style shooting. Dynamic, fast paced, fun, but they made it too far specific for only the one role that it's a pain in the ass for just about any other sling application, it's poor for extended carry and wear.
I don't think the MS3 is going to be too much of an advancement over the MS2 - all it is is different webbing and buckles. There's just too many better designs out there.
~Augee
Serious question from a complete position of ignorance.... What other convertible options are available? I want to at least check them out and don't know where to start.
Meh, the MS2 isn't one of MagPul's strongest offerings.
It's definitely not the only 1-2 PT convertible sling setup out there, or the easiest of them to use, nor was it anywhere resembling the first. But, I guess more people became aware of them after the MS2.
The problem with the MS2 is that it's pretty much only and solidly designed for carbine classes and carbine class-style shooting. Dynamic, fast paced, fun, but they made it too far specific for only the one role that it's a pain in the ass for just about any other sling application, it's poor for extended carry and wear.
I don't think the MS3 is going to be too much of an advancement over the MS2 - all it is is different webbing and buckles. There's just too many better designs out there.
~Augee
Thanks
12/9/2011 8:40:57 PM
Augee,
Just out of curiosity, which other brands do you rank as superior?
Thanks
Just out of curiosity, which other brands do you rank as superior?
Thanks
12/9/2011 8:47:01 PM
The blue force gear VCAS padded or not with the 2 to 1 tri glide is a better more comfortable option, that has the same capabilities as the ms2.
12/9/2011 9:03:46 PM
Originally Posted By sgwlower:
The blue force gear VCAS padded or not with the 2 to 1 tri glide is a better more comfortable option, that has the same capabilities as the ms2.
The blue force gear VCAS padded or not with the 2 to 1 tri glide is a better more comfortable option, that has the same capabilities as the ms2.
This
I had an MS2 and used it during a Patrol Rifle Class.... It worked well, however; standing on the perimeter of a shooting for 5 hours, with rifle slung....... It sucked!
I know slings are not, "supposed to be comfortable", however; I am more likely to be standing post with it slung for much longer periods of time, then it will ever be shot (hopefully).
I went with a VCAS padded sling and quick disconnects with a tri glide.... to me, this seems to be about perfect......
I am going to try it with a SLAP plate I ordered with either a HK style or Mash hook on the rear.... haven't decided which one yet.
12/10/2011 7:32:20 PM
I do not know if it has been released yet but there are pics of the MS3 out on the net.
12/10/2011 10:48:39 PM
My personal preference at the moment is the GS-2P with IWC 1-2PT triglide installed, though I'm exploring a new option at the moment that I think might prove to be superior even to that - at least with the type of sling mount configurations I use, and as a rightty. Beyond that, I won't say more until I've gotten a chance to test it some more.
That being said, long before the IWC triglide was available - and long before the MS2 was available, I was using a GS-2P with HK hook attachments as a convertible sling.
When I first started using that configuration, I got my inspiration from the CQD sling - but the GS-2P offered the added quick adjust feature and modular attachment interfaces that I preferred (there's no way to "bail out" of a CQD sling). Nevertheless, I think the CQD sling was one of the very first convertible designs offered on the market.
On today's market, besides the option of adding the IWC triglide to just about any quick adjust two point sling - options like the TacStrap and Emdom Gunslinger sling are superior IMHO to the MS2, not only for having better webbing that allows for a higher level of comfort, but do not require proprietary sling mounts to use like the MS2. While the MS2 can be "made" to work with other sling mounts, from what I've seen, it's a pretty big pain in the ass to make it work with anything other than the MagPul sling mounts - an issue made worse by the fact that the RSA front mount wasn't available commercially for almost a year after the MS2 was released. If the sling system needed to be released with all components "as a system," then it should have been released as such - including all the components.
Finally, I find the ASAP rear sling mount to be noisy and annoying - not only is the "chain link" of the ASAP too small, but it rattles around and sounds like exactly what it is - a chain link floating on a bar. Furthermore, the MS2 has no provisions for mounting whatever it is your preferred sling mount is - you're stuck with the hardware MagPul gives you, designed to work only with MagPul accessories. Meaning - if you've already got a rear sling mount on your rifle, and properly staked - you need to remove it to install proprietary hardware.
~Augee
That being said, long before the IWC triglide was available - and long before the MS2 was available, I was using a GS-2P with HK hook attachments as a convertible sling.
When I first started using that configuration, I got my inspiration from the CQD sling - but the GS-2P offered the added quick adjust feature and modular attachment interfaces that I preferred (there's no way to "bail out" of a CQD sling). Nevertheless, I think the CQD sling was one of the very first convertible designs offered on the market.
On today's market, besides the option of adding the IWC triglide to just about any quick adjust two point sling - options like the TacStrap and Emdom Gunslinger sling are superior IMHO to the MS2, not only for having better webbing that allows for a higher level of comfort, but do not require proprietary sling mounts to use like the MS2. While the MS2 can be "made" to work with other sling mounts, from what I've seen, it's a pretty big pain in the ass to make it work with anything other than the MagPul sling mounts - an issue made worse by the fact that the RSA front mount wasn't available commercially for almost a year after the MS2 was released. If the sling system needed to be released with all components "as a system," then it should have been released as such - including all the components.
Finally, I find the ASAP rear sling mount to be noisy and annoying - not only is the "chain link" of the ASAP too small, but it rattles around and sounds like exactly what it is - a chain link floating on a bar. Furthermore, the MS2 has no provisions for mounting whatever it is your preferred sling mount is - you're stuck with the hardware MagPul gives you, designed to work only with MagPul accessories. Meaning - if you've already got a rear sling mount on your rifle, and properly staked - you need to remove it to install proprietary hardware.
~Augee
12/11/2011 9:44:36 AM
Thanks Augee, I'll look at those options.
Fwiw, I just attached the Magpul HW to QD swivels and use QD mounts.
Mr SBR has a Noveke QD plate in rear and a gear sector QD up front.
Mr SPR has UBR QD mounts in the rear and a gear sector QD up front.
Fwiw, I just attached the Magpul HW to QD swivels and use QD mounts.
Mr SBR has a Noveke QD plate in rear and a gear sector QD up front.
Mr SPR has UBR QD mounts in the rear and a gear sector QD up front.
12/12/2011 1:17:24 AM
Originally Posted By AR15-5O:
This
I had an MS2 and used it during a Patrol Rifle Class.... It worked well, however; standing on the perimeter of a shooting for 5 hours, with rifle slung....... It sucked!
I know slings are not, "supposed to be comfortable", however; I am more likely to be standing post with it slung for much longer periods of time, then it will ever be shot (hopefully).
I went with a VCAS padded sling and quick disconnects with a tri glide.... to me, this seems to be about perfect......
I am going to try it with a SLAP plate I ordered with either a HK style or Mash hook on the rear.... haven't decided which one yet.
Originally Posted By sgwlower:
The blue force gear VCAS padded or not with the 2 to 1 tri glide is a better more comfortable option, that has the same capabilities as the ms2.
The blue force gear VCAS padded or not with the 2 to 1 tri glide is a better more comfortable option, that has the same capabilities as the ms2.
This
I had an MS2 and used it during a Patrol Rifle Class.... It worked well, however; standing on the perimeter of a shooting for 5 hours, with rifle slung....... It sucked!
I know slings are not, "supposed to be comfortable", however; I am more likely to be standing post with it slung for much longer periods of time, then it will ever be shot (hopefully).
I went with a VCAS padded sling and quick disconnects with a tri glide.... to me, this seems to be about perfect......
I am going to try it with a SLAP plate I ordered with either a HK style or Mash hook on the rear.... haven't decided which one yet.
I run the MASH on mine. I love it. Full flex.
12/17/2011 2:47:05 AM
Thanks for all the opinions guys! While the MS2 was quite popular with tens-of-thousands sold, the MS3 offers a VAST improvement at the same price. We just started shipping them in quantity this Friday to our Dealers and Distributors:
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
12/18/2011 2:36:59 PM
Is the ms3 only compatible with the asap or can it be used with other sling plates?
12/18/2011 4:18:14 PM
The only thing I have disliked with the MS2 were the buckles, the one for 1 pt to 2 pt transition is kind of a PITA to "unlock" and the one for attachment to the gun its a bit too easy to unlock. I've damn near dropped my rifle twice when the key chain ring caught on my clothes. I really like the looks of the new buckles and will have to pick one of these up. I've only used it while wearing a sweatshirt and never really noticed it digging in much, but its nice to know the new one will be more comfortable.
12/18/2011 8:40:40 PM
I had my carbine drop out of the magpul sling, maybe I did something wrong but I went back to a Troy single point. The magpul is a neat idea though
12/18/2011 9:29:03 PM
How does a rifle "drop out " of a sling?
12/18/2011 9:37:59 PM
Originally Posted By bp7178:
How does a rifle "drop out " of a sling?
How does a rifle "drop out " of a sling?
The buckle opened.
12/19/2011 12:01:26 AM
Originally Posted By Justin-Beard:
Thanks for all the opinions guys! While the MS2 was quite popular with tens-of-thousands sold, the MS3 offers a VAST improvement at the same price. We just started shipping them in quantity this Friday to our Dealers and Distributors:
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
Thanks for all the opinions guys! While the MS2 was quite popular with tens-of-thousands sold, the MS3 offers a VAST improvement at the same price. We just started shipping them in quantity this Friday to our Dealers and Distributors:
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
The new hardware certainly looks like an improvement, but why the change of material? I'm glad it's slightly wider, as that fixes one of the biggest complaints most people had about it, but why the different type of material?
Also, I can't tell from the pictures, but is the quick adjustment thing any lower profile than that of the MS2? one thing that annoys me about the MS2 is how easily the quick adjustment loop gets caught/binds/tangles etc on my hand in 2-point mode.
12/21/2011 8:59:48 AM
Originally Posted By Jolkm:
The new hardware certainly looks like an improvement, but why the change of material? I'm glad it's slightly wider, as that fixes one of the biggest complaints most people had about it, but why the different type of material?
Also, I can't tell from the pictures, but is the quick adjustment thing any lower profile than that of the MS2? one thing that annoys me about the MS2 is how easily the quick adjustment loop gets caught/binds/tangles etc on my hand in 2-point mode.
Originally Posted By Justin-Beard:
Thanks for all the opinions guys! While the MS2 was quite popular with tens-of-thousands sold, the MS3 offers a VAST improvement at the same price. We just started shipping them in quantity this Friday to our Dealers and Distributors:
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
Thanks for all the opinions guys! While the MS2 was quite popular with tens-of-thousands sold, the MS3 offers a VAST improvement at the same price. We just started shipping them in quantity this Friday to our Dealers and Distributors:
MS3 Multi Mission Sling System
The new hardware certainly looks like an improvement, but why the change of material? I'm glad it's slightly wider, as that fixes one of the biggest complaints most people had about it, but why the different type of material?
Also, I can't tell from the pictures, but is the quick adjustment thing any lower profile than that of the MS2? one thing that annoys me about the MS2 is how easily the quick adjustment loop gets caught/binds/tangles etc on my hand in 2-point mode.
MS2 material could fray, especially if touched to velcro.
12/25/2011 12:29:40 AM
I got my MS3 in the mail today from Brownells, vaporware no more. I like the new buckles. One thing I do is cut the metal loop off on the ASAP plate and make a small loop of 550 cord. It's much quiter and smoother. Plus, if the hook opens, the weight of the gun pulls the 550 cord taut, so it grabs the flared part of the hook, keeping the gun from dropping in case of a negligent hook release. You actually have to take the weight off of the hook to get it off. It's an added bonus, to me.
12/30/2011 4:42:33 PM
It's real. I got mine today. I like the different hooks and wider webbing...
I really like my MS-2 sling too though...
I really like my MS-2 sling too though...
1/1/2012 9:02:23 AM
Got mine in the mail yesterday, and will test fire/carry today. I'm 100 miles away visiting this morning, but will have to leave early and check it out.
1/3/2012 12:22:27 PM
Got my MS3 and ASAP plate from PSA today. Now I have a project for tomorrow.
