Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

A

adam1122

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Aug 10, 2010
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#1
Anyone have a good recommendation forma sling that can not only be used with a full set of body armor and then hang easy and not get in the way when having to transition to pistol at close range? trying to find the best sling possible that will keep my primary weapon out of the way when I have to employ secondary weapon.......nothing really seems to be perfect. I have to use my non dominant hand to hold the rifle to the side so I can get on target faster. Also, I'm screwed if I have a rifle in the way and have to run a reload or misfire or problem drill with a rifle I the way....I can do it.....but seconds count and I gotta get some hear that speeds me up.

Thanks bros.
 
#2
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

Adam, I use my Close Quarters Carry Strap for hard armor carry. Its a simple strap that goes from shoulder area, attached to Molle webbing and uses single point adapter on weapon system. This was designed for vehicle ops, so even if you lose hand hold on weapon it comes out with you when ypou have to deass vehicle in a hurry. It works well for patrol as well when you wear heavy armor.

For no armor I use a Patrol Rifle Strap for running and gunning with multiple weapon systems for transition. This was really design for LE applications

For all around use I use my AR Slip Cuff Quick Release, which you can do most thigs with and still shoot with precision.

Triad Tactical carries all of these but may be out of stock on the first two ( my fault)

Get ahold of me if you need any further help
 
#3
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

I'm quite partial to my VTAC 2-point padded adjustable. It adjusts quick and cinches up nice and tight for more support. I run these slings on both my personal and work rifles and they've held up well despite lots of abuse.

I've also seen guys use a little 550 cord and a quick disconnect attached right to their kit...kinda like a homemade Chalker, the guys that run that set up swear by it.
 
#4
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

I'd recommend, before you get a sling, buying the "Close Quarter Marksmanship" DVD from the CMP Book Store. $6.95 put out by the Army Marksmanship Unit, it covers the sling, what to use, how to use it. As well as information.

https://estore.odcmp.com/store/catalog/c...note5=&max=

Covers:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Kit Set Up, 7 Principles of High Performan-
ce Shooting, Weapons Presentation, Accuracy, Targets, The
Reload, The Mental Game, Range Drills, The Ready Up Drill,
Recoil Management, Multiple Threat Engagements, Shooting on
the Move, Changing Gears Drills, Alternate Position, Weapons
Transition & Malfunctions.</div></div>

Knowing the proper set up, will give you a better ideal on what you need.
 
#6
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

+1 on the V-Tac sling. I run that on my carbines and it works well with and without body armor.
 
#7
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

IMHO nothing is perfect.

I run a single point for entry work right now. I absolutely hate it, but it's a necessary evil. I had at one point considered a two point sling, but then went to a Shoot House Instructor School and watched other guys with two points really struggle when switching to the support side.

Transitions with the single point almost always end up with me getting slapped in the knees or groin with my rifle.

Also, understand when you say "full set of body armor" that doesn't really describe anything. Are you talking about soft armor, plates, entry vest, etc. I.E. for most of my day I wear a concealable soft vest. It has very little impact on the way I shoot a carbine or pistol. When the job requires it I switch over to a dedicated entry vest with LIV plates neck, groin and bicep protectors. It greatly effects the way I shoot a carbine and thus requires hours of training every month to see what works and what doesn't. Shooting from the ground makes you feel like a tactical turtle.
 
#8
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

Two point slings like the V-tac are great. Not only for transitioning to a secondary weapon but also for administering first aid or flex cuffs.
Way better than a three point sling or carabiner that tend to dangle around during transitions.
 
#9
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

Tactical turtle....thats some funny crap. I'm going to rip that off and use it next time we have to roll around on the ground.

To clear it up, full body armor means (at the minimum) a modular plate carrier with at least 10x12 or 10x13 armor plates, 6 x8 side rib cage armor, helmet, goggles, shoulder pad soft armor...and soft groin armor. Tactical turtle is about the perfect description.

Oh, and just for giggles watching guys who aren't in shape try to get up and off the ground repeatedly is hilarious when they show up for try outs.
 
#11
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

When we've trained doing transition drills I've found the two point the best. The rifle will drop and rest on your chest while still staying out of the way from becoming a knee knocker while moving (can't stand single point for this reason). You can also quickly shift it across the back when necessary. We're wearing full soft/plate combos with multiple mags on the front.

For the two point quick adjust the only system I've found to my liking is the Vicker's. No tails dangling around, opens up wide enough to shift to support side easily including in full kit, and it holds solid. The big adjustment tab is easy to grab to make the adjustments too and it only takes a slight amount of slack to enable you to slide it. I run the attachment at the buttstock on the opposite side than the directions (outboard vice inboard) as the fastener would otherwise get in the way when shifting to support side and even sometimes on strong side. If I had my choice it wouldn't have the QD buckles but I understand their purpose at the same time.

YMMV, but I recommend giving it a try. Like LW said, nothing is perfect but I think this one is pretty damn close. They're a bit pricy but worth it at the same time.
 
#12
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

I'm not mil or leo, but I shoot in a rifle/pistol league. I have found the magpul MS2 works good for me. It is a single point that can be easily converted to a two point. It might be worth checking out, but I don't know how well it will work for your application.
 
#13
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

Hey Adam, my recommendation is the Vickers Combat Application Sling made by Blue Force. It is a two-point sling that is quick adjusting. The guys on my team were running V-Tacs on our entry vests, but got tired of the weapon swinging erratically when you were forced to take your hands off of it. The V-CAS seems to be the preferred sling now. Magpul also has a rear sling attachment that slides easily from one side to the other making transitioning to weak had a lot easier.
Hope this helps.
 
#14
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

My vote is for the padded VCAS sling. Very nice sling and seems like it would work well for your purposes. Hangs nicely and don't bang you in the crotch like a single point when your moving. Transitions work well with a little practice and with its quick length adjustment, its a really nice setup overall.
 
#15
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

I went with the vickers two point adjustable sling....seems to work so far. Great suggestion. Thanks.
 
#16
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adamxdavis</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with the vickers two point adjustable sling....seems to work so far. Great suggestion. Thanks. </div></div>

Yes sir!!

the vickers is a great sling for a Ar and a manualy operated rifle.

John
 
#18
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

How have I read through this whole thread and no one has mentioned our great Hide sponsor TAB Gear. I would say this would meet your needs for the transition and offer a lot more than most other slings.
 
#19
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blklabs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How have I read through this whole thread and no one has mentioned our great Hide sponsor TAB Gear. I would say this would meet your needs for the transition and offer a lot more than most other slings. </div></div>

I have used the TAB, the TIS, Vikings from his line and the 5.11 line, 1903's, the ISU's, biathlon from Accuracy International and the Vickers Blue Force. I like the TAB sling it works, but so do the others.

I see no "a lot more" from any of the brands listed. They all do the same job, just in a different style.

John
 
#20
Re: Tactical sling for rifle to pistol transition

I am not LEO or MIL so I have zero experience with body armor. I have tried many slings first I sided with the Vickers 2 point until I found Savvy Sniper Quad sling.. I like the ability to go from single to dual point and found that when wearing a backpack the sling didn't get caught up at easy as the material covering the what I believe to be surgical tubing was silky and resisted snags. The Savvy sniper sling also has an adjustment loop you can operate on the fly.. hope that helps you some
 
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