TAB Sling Issues

dan46n2

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 9, 2006
535
2
I got a TAB sling recently and am having an issue with it. When you tighten the sling to your upper arm with that sliding plastic piece it doesn't stay tight. I have to keep readusting it to keep it tight. Any secret to making this work? It seems like that plastic slider should have some kind of tab on it that you would depress in order to loosen it rather than just pulling on it.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kick-Ass</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It doesn't really need to be tight. It is just a keeper to help it stay over your bicep. </div></div>

+1
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

If you adjust the length correctly and you put the half twist in it so your arm goes over and under then you support the rifle, it shouldn't "come loose" because it is just holding the loop on the bicep.

it's the same keeper that is used on the AI sling which has been in use for quite a while on all AI rifles issued with a sling.

I haven't experienced it being used properly and coming loose... the correct position almost precludes this from happening.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you adjust the length correctly and you put the half twist in it so your arm goes over and under then you support the rifle, it shouldn't "come loose" because it is just holding the loop on the bicep.

it's the same keeper that is used on the AI sling which has been in use for quite a while on all AI rifles issued with a sling.

I haven't experienced it being used properly and coming loose... the correct position almost precludes this from happening.

</div></div>

I watched the youtube videos on how to use it, putting the half twist in... it stays tight for a little while but the recoil from the rifle or just moving around if you need to change positions makes it come loose. I think the fix would be very easy, it just needs a slider that stays clamped.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kick-Ass</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It doesn't really need to be tight. It is just a keeper to help it stay over your bicep. </div></div>

If it loosens if falls down your arm, it does need to be tight IMO. What's the point of even having that slider there if you don't need it to be tight, the loop would be enough if that were the case and holding the sling tight would accomplish the same thing. The problem is when it loosens it falls down your arm, then you have to retighten it.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

I think I found the fix, I have a Specter sling that I don't use but it has that clamping slider, here's a pic of the Specter on top and TAB on bottom. I'm going to switch them and this should work better.

EDIT: It didn't work, the TAB sling is too thick since it's doubled up at the loop for that clamping keeper to fit. I might be able to modify the clamping slider to accomodate the thickness of the TAB sling.

001.jpg
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dan46n2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If it loosens if falls down your arm, it does need to be tight IMO. What's the point of even having that slider there if you don't need it to be tight, the loop would be enough if that were the case and holding the sling tight would accomplish the same thing. The problem is when it loosens it falls down your arm, then you have to retighten it. </div></div>

A) if its loosens and falls down your arm, your sling isn't adjusted properly length-wise for the position
B) 1907 slings have been working for 100+ years and they have a little leather loop that slides freely on doubled leather, the loop just needs to keep the loop gathered above the bicep
C) your bicep is larger in the center than your arm is between your deltoid and your bicep correct?
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dan46n2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If it loosens if falls down your arm, it does need to be tight IMO. What's the point of even having that slider there if you don't need it to be tight, the loop would be enough if that were the case and holding the sling tight would accomplish the same thing. The problem is when it loosens it falls down your arm, then you have to retighten it. </div></div>

A) if its loosens and falls down your arm, your sling isn't adjusted properly length-wise for the position
B) 1907 slings have been working for 100+ years and they have a little leather loop that slides freely on doubled leather, the loop just needs to keep the loop gathered above the bicep
C) your bicep is larger in the center than your arm is between your deltoid and your bicep correct? </div></div>

The length of the sling has nothing to do with the problem, when you move around to a different position you can't keep the sling tight. When shooting I can't constantly keep the sling tight either, I stop to reload, etc.. Also my bicep isn't bigger than the loop can get, as long as that keeper slides a quarter of an inch past the size of my bicep if will fall. We can do better than 100 year old technology, all it needs is a clamping slider like I've shown in the pic a few posts above.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Honestly you don't understand the concept of sling shooting... moving around, changing position, is not how it works and I don't know any reason to shoot that way slung up.

</div></div>

I guess the other guy that posted doesn't understand the concept either. I'm not a target shooter only I have to move around, change positions, etc. It seems like you don't understand the concept of customer service or improving your product.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

It's not my product... I have nothing to do with TAB Gear.

When "Target" shooters, shoot positions, they rebuild the position each time from the beginning. They aren't under the impression you can move around and maintain the sling position as well there is no reason too.

If the others are doing that they are wrong, and clearly the number of people who disagree completely out weigh those who don't.

You have no clue what you are doing, that is a personal problem, not a sling issue.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's not my product... I have nothing to do with TAB Gear.

When "Target" shooters, shoot positions, they rebuild the position each time from the beginning. They aren't under the impression you can move around and maintain the sling position as well there is no reason too.

If the others are doing that they are wrong, and clearly the number of people who disagree completely out weigh those who don't.

You have no clue what you are doing, that is a personal problem, not a sling issue. </div></div>

It sure seems like TAB gear is promoted here. Clearly other people are having the same issue. Products can always be improved if they are yours or not, a simple clamped slider would fix this issue. It's amazing how you think you know what needs I have in a sling and you think I'm doing something wrong.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

D'uh what you wrote is telling the world what you are doing is wrong.

As well sling length does matter it provides the tension to hold the sling in position.

There is no shooting event or reason to go from position to position without rebuilding the position. If you note when shooting prone, they are not moving their support hand, they only move their firing hand, if you are moving around, to include the support side, you are doing it wrong.

Mucking around and saying the product won't hold to your musings doesn't means the product needs to be improved. It means you're mucking around, if you drive your ferrari off road and it gets stuck you don't write Ferrari to improve the product...

and a lot of products are promoted on here, that point is meaningless.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">D'uh what you wrote is telling the world what you are doing is wrong.

As well sling length does matter it provides the tension to hold the sling in position.

There is no shooting event or reason to go from position to position without rebuilding the position. If you note when shooting prone, they are not moving their support hand, they only move their firing hand, if you are moving around, to include the support side, you are doing it wrong.

Mucking around and saying the product won't hold to your musings doesn't means the product needs to be improved. It means you're mucking around, if you drive your ferrari off road and it gets stuck you don't write Ferrari to improve the product...

and a lot of products are promoted on here, that point is meaningless. </div></div>

Real world situations require you to change position. Even just target shooting requires you to reload doesn't it? How can you keep tension on the sling when reloading? Are you saying to just deal with it that it's not a big deal? I agree it's not a major PITA to retighten but you don't have to do that if it had a different keeper.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

Anyways maybe I helped out a few people who have no idea what they are doing with sling shooting if they can find a clamping keeper and don't want to get rid of the sling just because of this issue.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

In the real world, nobody is shooting with a sling like an entire match... string. It's why they give them "a lot of time".

Most sling shooting is hasty, and not slung up like a highpower shooter. Why would you take the time to sling up rather than find a covered, supported positions.

Again, you misunderstand the use and concept of sling shooting...
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RJ Hunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only thing you are going to get with a tight sling on your bicep is increased pulse in your sight picture. I don't think that's an improvement. High Power shooters use a shooting coat. That coat acts to dampen the pulse transmitted to a tight sling. If you are shooting HP that's one thing. Here we are talking about a "hasty" sling, generally on a lightly covered bicep. More tight - more pulse. </div></div>

No one said you have to make it that tight, I just need it tight enough to where it doesn't fall off. I just finished dremeling that clamping keeper and it now fits, going to go try it out at the range, so far I can move around and do whatever I need to and it stays as tight as I made it when I first put it on.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

Ok, just got back from the range to test out the mod. Now I can tighten the loop as much or little as I want and it stays that way until I unclamp the keeper. It didn't loosen up at all during shooting or changing position and it's just as fast to use, you add a fraction of a second to clamp it. I guess it's not for everyone but some people may find this useful.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

To date, we've built thousands and thousands of slings, and there have been only a few times I've heard of someone not liking the way the sling performs.

In saying that I also recognize that all customers are different and may expect different things from their purchase and that's just fine. Dan46n2 I'm glad you found a way to make the sling perform like you want it to. We're always looking for ways to improve our products and are very open to suggestions from our customers.

Also, the only person who has any ownership in TAB GEAR LLC. is me, Tony Burkes, no one else. There are lots of products promoted here, just because that is so doesn't mean the Frank has ownership in any of them.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dan46n2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got a TAB sling recently and am having an issue with it. When you tighten the sling to your upper arm with that sliding plastic piece it doesn't stay tight. I have to keep readusting it to keep it tight. Any secret to making this work? It seems like that plastic slider should have some kind of tab on it that you would depress in order to loosen it rather than just pulling on it. </div></div>

I don't have any experience with the TAB sling. However, I did get a crash course in Highpower shooting several years ago on the Navy Marksmanship Team. I am not going to lie, the sling set up kicked my ass the first few times I tried it. Finally, I asked a much more experienced shooter how to do my sling properly. He had me take my sling apart (because I had it assembled wrong) and then I set my sling up the right way. Then he had me take it apart and assemble it about 5 more times until it stuck in my head how to build my sling.

For some, sling set up takes practice, I was having problems keeping it tight on my arm, and like many said before, The 1907 style sling has been around a long damn time, and has worked for thousands of shooters. But when I was frustrated, I too would curse the sling and its "old" design. What a dummy I was. Anyways, sorry for the novel, but get a more experience shooter to help you out. Don't blame the product.

If you want a no frills and no bullshit sling, I have a TIS quick cuff, there is really no way you can fuck that one up.


Good luck buddy.

bax
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

Im not saying Im Mr Sling, but I have been in the game a little while and like shooting slung-up. I learned on a Turner and like my sling tight. If I can still feel my fngers after shooting a string, it wasnt tight enough.

That said, the TAB sling isnt a Turner and wasnt designed to replicate a Turner.

The Turner is harder to use than the TAB and I appreciate the quicker applicaion of the TAB when I need to be faster. And I wouldnt say I'm any more accurate with one over the other either.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

I just came back from the range. My frend had his new TAB sling whit him. I have never used TAB sling before but i must say that this sling is very well made and easy/fast to use. It was really fast to adjust and even faster to get on/off. Even whit cloves on. I really did like it. Maybe whit practice i could learn to like it even more.

I only have one queston at this moment:
How about when it gets cold? How well it will work?
I mean really cold like -35°C or something like that.
Im only asking this this not to be taken as insult. Im pretty sure that its gtg but i would like to know for sure before i take it out at winter times.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

Hi Kong, no insult taken at all.

A year ago or so I spent a lot of time talking back and forth with a shooter in Germany who was going to be spending a lot of time in the mountains in very cold conditions like you describe.

I don't remember what the data was that I got from the manufacturer about the temperature testing, but after it was all said and done he decided to go with the Cobra buckles on the sling. -35C is very cold conditions and he decided that the piece of mind was worth the added cost.

With that said we sell a lot of slings to the Scandanavian countries, and all over the world, in the regular plastic Fastex buckles and have not had any complaints from any of our customers regarding the performance in cold climates.

Also remember, if you like the sling but don't want the buckles, we offer our slings with the option of no buckles as well.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

Dan why go a alter a perfectly good sling when there are many other options on the market that might have what you are looking for..Different strokes for diff folks.some like it tight and some like it not so tight. I find the TIS sling suits my needs. Before I start a pissing contest im not saying its better. But i find it better for my needs. especially the new one..and it holds really tight and releases quick..

this one..
http://tacticalintervention.com/Slip_Cuff_Quick_Release.html

Good luck in your sling quest..
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

I've got TAB ,Turner and the new TIS they all work fine.If you want a tighter hold try the TIS I don't know why but it's style buckle holds tight.The TAB is top notch and well thought out as well. I realy like the stiff section by the butt.It's just different and splitting hairs.We have it really good as shooters these days when it comes to gear choices.

dicksling006.jpg
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

I am lacking a mentor.
My problem with the TAB is that it takes quite a while to change for the different lengths I need for standing and kneeling for instance. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to adjust, test, adjust, test.
Does anyone have any tips for me on that one?
Other than that I have no problems with the half twist and the buckle and I like the stiff sling in the back.
Thanks.
Only on SH eh?
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeffersonv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am lacking a mentor.
My problem with the TAB is that it takes quite a while to change for the different lengths I need for standing and kneeling for instance. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to adjust, test, adjust, test.
Does anyone have any tips for me on that one?
Other than that I have no problems with the half twist and the buckle and I like the stiff sling in the back.
Thanks.
Only on SH eh?</div></div>

Contact this store, (and hell, use em for your equipment needs).

http://www.precisionarms.com/Pages/About/aboutus.html

They're in escondido. I bet if you took your rifle and sling in there the older man behind the counter could give you some tips if they aren't busy- or certainly point you in the right direction for someone who could help you out.

I was very impressed in my dealings with precision arms in escondido back in 2006.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeffersonv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am lacking a mentor.
My problem with the TAB is that it takes quite a while to change for the different lengths I need for standing and kneeling for instance. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to adjust, test, adjust, test.
Does anyone have any tips for me on that one?</div></div>

Find out where you want it and use a Sharpie to mark it. Be sure to mark an "S" and "P", etc so you know what that particular length is for.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

I have a TAB sling and I think part of it is the material not the keeper. If you use to leather or biothane Nylon can be a little more slippery. It's not a huge deal to me. Like someone said above, its not really designed for that. As far as a slipping keeper goes,I use a Ching Sling on my lighter rifle and it has no keeper at all. You loop up deep towards you armpit and keep tension to hold it up. You might have to readjust every few rounds but again, shooting long strings of fire from one position aint what it's designed for.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
B) 1907 slings have been working for 100+ years and they have a little leather loop that slides freely on doubled leather, the loop just needs to keep the loop gathered above the bicep
</div></div>

Can't agree with that statement at all. Correctly rigging an M1907 sling so that it does not loosen up is part of using it correctly, limited to just the two straps and the two keepers.

http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/slinghelp/slinghelp.htm

For match rifle slings where a coat hook is allowed, the sling can be loose on the bicep.

TIS solved this "issue" a while ago. I'm not saying the TAB sling has issues - just he designed it to work a certain way and it works that way. It is not the only design or the only way to use a sling.

This "issue" is also easily solved with something as simple as a web sling, be it cotton or the Viet Nam era nylon:

http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/websling/webslinghelp.htm

A Vietnam era Marine vet I know says the link above is exactly how he was taught to use the sling on Paris Island.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

The link you posted is one of the best tutorials on the application of a service rifle sling and that is the way I run one.
The trick to it staying on in position is to have it higher than the bicep. The leather loops do not nor are intended to be tight to secure the loop to stay in place when there is not tension on the sling or moving postions.

In the pic you can see that the loops aren't and don't stay snugged up to the arm, and even if you try to do that after repeated times the loops loosen. If Ray were to pull the rifle towards him releasing pressure that sling will sag over his bicep.

slingsupport5.jpg




Not trying to be argumentative, its just that a serv ice rifle sling doesn't stay tight as a loop on the arm. The canvas M1 slings can be put "backwards" on the rifle and the loop clasped above the bicep. I actually do such on my rifle, and remove the flushcup from the forearm whaile I'm waiting or off the gun. But I have had veterans point out to me (with varying levels of disdain) thatthat's not the way the sling is supposed to be.

 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Not trying to be argumentative, its just that a serv ice rifle sling doesn't stay tight as a loop on the arm.

</div></div>

Mine, and many people I shoot with, does. You're just not doing it right.

Whether you do it Ray's way with the frog jammed in the keepers (USMC rifle team does it the same way) or jam the tail in between the two sling portions as they enter the keeper pair (the way I do it) or loop the tail between the two keepers, there are absolutely ways to rig the M1907 sling so that it does not loosen and slip.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

You may be right. If I were still shooting HP (or next time I pick it back up) I'll try the tail tricks.

I still say that the TAB slider, or the same size slider on AI slings have been an "issue" for me, as presented by the OP.
 
Re: TAB Sling Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: asbestosglove</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you have a good load for that event? </div></div>

check the backs of other team b shooters........
laugh.gif