S1: Single-Point Tactical Sling

I consider the rifle sling to be in the category of “personal gear”. Everyone has different needs, different wants and their own way of using their gear. I am definitely no exception. I have used more slings over my military and law enforcement career than I’d care to admit, seriously, I don’t want to know how much I have spent on them.In the end, I was typically the guy who was never satisfied with how gear came in “stock” form, I would always cut it, tape it, remove parts, add parts and more. In the end, I was a minimalist and my selection of slings was no exception to this rule.

The one I settled on and used the most was a single point sling that attached to the back of my plate carrier via molle and made by Tactical Assault Gear. I rocked that sling on every weapon system and it worked well. Over the past few years, my need for wearing a plate carrier diminished and a more “slick” set up is what I use, mainly for the range and to have as an emergency kit for certain contract work. This did not allow for me to use the molle anchored type sling, so the search began again.

My requirements for a sling are the following:

  • Must be a one point
  • Needs to be made of quality material
  • Quick detachment capability
  • Very adjustable
  • Fairly lightweight

There are a lot of companies out there that make slings so the search can be daunting because I am not going to purchase a dozen slings just to settle on one. To narrow my search, I stick to one of my wish list requirements, buy American. I was approached to review a sling made by United States Tactical, and I gladly accepted. United States Tactical states on their website that their slings and gear are “All designed by a former Marine with the knowledge of what it takes to complete the mission”.

This says a lot, and for me, knowing that a veteran with experience is behind the design and development of the products adds even more credibility.I received the sling just a day before I was hitting the range to site in my AR after being refinished. The rifle I use is an original Salient Arms International, back when they were in Oxnard. I use all Salient GRY components except for the buttstock and rail, which is an SLR. The optics is a Strike Eagle from Vortex and is a 1×6.

First impressions and on the range:

I drove down to a local veteran owned range near Pueblo, Republic Shooting Range. My first impressions upon unpacking the sling were positive. Fit and finish of the sling was spot on, it had the feeling of a piece of gear twice its cost. This sling came with the HK hook and not the QD attachment. To be honest, I don’t have much experience with the QD style attachment, however, it is something I will try in the future. Once I attached it to my AR and slung the rifle I did a few quick adjustments and was done. I ran a few dry fire transition drills and found the sling moved easy.

The clips are positioned just far enough away from the articulation points that the material does not bind, nor do they get in the way of the function of the sling. My AR is heavy, I prefer heavier firearms, and even with my AR slung and hanging in front of me the sling felt comfortable and remained snug to my body. I really like a sling that pulls the weapon to you naturally by design, which this sling does.

Live fire:

Shooting on the move and transitioning to my pistol was smooth and there were no glaring issues. It was nice that the sling moved freely, no parts of the design snagged on my clothing (I wasn’t wearing a plate carrier) and I did not feel the need to adjust it or move it around to get comfortable. It performed very well and did exactly what it was supposed to do. The sling was adjusted to provide just enough tension while shooting to create a solid platform, yet I did not have to “muscle” the AR when at the ready or on target.

 

Overall Impression:

By the end of the day on the range, I can say I enjoyed using the sling. I don’t take my AR out as much as I would like, but now that I have access to a quality range it will definitely see more time. I can honestly say that this sling offering from United States Tactical is one of the better ones I have used. It doesn’t take a huge, big name brand to develop a good sling or “tactical” type product. In my opinion, it takes someone in the design and development process that has real-world experience. Couple that with quality materials and you’re going to have one of the better products and that is what United States Tactical brings to the table. Solid sling, designed and developed by folks with the experience to back up their product. It prices at $44.99

  • Single-point connection
  • Easy on/off quick-release buckle
  • Designed for ambidextrous firearm operation
  • Stainless steel HK hook
  • Heavy-duty O-ring strap divider
  • Push-button QD swivel upgrade available
  • Quick-release buckle for easy firearm detachment
  • Made with 1.25″ webbing
  • Three colors
  • HK Hook or Push Button QD Swivel


Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

 

 

 

 

 

By Jason Silva

Jason Silva enlisted as an 0311 prior to 9/11 and served in OIF 1 with RCT-1, he also held secondary MOS’s of Range Coach/PMI and was an Assault Climber. Upon returning from Iraq he was hired at Richmond Police Department in California, there he served just over 10 years. While at Richmond he worked in patrol, street enforcement teams, the dirt bike unit, homicide detective and 7 years on the departments SWAT team. While with the department SWAT team he was the less lethal weapons instructor, entry team and sniper team. He also worked with the departments Marine Enforcement Unit which patrolled and coordinated with federal agencies to protect critical infrastructure within the San Francisco Bay Area. In January of 2015 he was officially retired from the police department due to a series of on duty injuries. Upon entering the private sector, Jason took his love for gear and quality, American made products and was hired to work at Triple Aught Design. While there he started a side hobby as a Cerakote applicator and his own brand of AR10/15, Echo Armory. After TAD he did security contracting with several tech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area to include Dropbox, Apple and Facebook. Since November of 2015 he has primarily contracted with Salient Operations Group for security, consulting and EP services and is now an account manager for the company as needed.

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