Swings for a shotgun: Vertical or side?

[Cameron Rhyne]

I have been thinking of puting a sling on my Rem 870. What's the difference between a vertical swing swivel and a side one?

Thanks.

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-Thomas Jefferson

 

[Vern Brink]

Depends on how you want to carry the shotgun. Slings that attach on the side like the Giles sling are referred to as 3 pt slings. They are used to position the gun where it is quickly brought to the ready and so you can quickly and easily transition to a handgun. With the shotgun in a firing position, you basically just let it drop to the slung position in front of your body. A 2 pt sling is usually used in the traditional fashion slung over the primary or support side shoulder either muzzle up or muzzle down. You can still use a 3pt sling in the traditional fashion. It all depends on what you are doing with the gun. If it's a hunting piece, go with the 2 pt.