(top) Blue Force Gear’s Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS), (bottom) Viking Tactics (VTAC) Padded Adjustable Sling
I am often asked what type of sling I prefer. That’s easy. I tell them that for the educated end-user, the Two Point Adjustable Sling is the answer. It requires a bit of training to realize its potential, but it really is a do-everything-acceptably-well sling. Larry Vickers’ article on sling selection is likely the best, well-reasoned article on sling selection I’ve seen. Once that is settled, the next question is, which sling should you choose?
The two most popular choices on the market: the Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) by Blue Force Gear, and the Viking Tactics sling. It is no surprise that the designers of both slings come from the same top tier military special operations unit. Both are of excellent quality, but have somewhat differing characteristics that may affect your choice in slings.
The VCAS is adjusted by means of a pull tab attached to an aluminum or acetyl (depending on model) slider which adjusts smoothly, yet stays in place until the user adjusts it.
Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS)
The VCAS is constructed of the same quality webbing material we have come to expect from Blue Force Gear. It is robust enough where it will not roll or fold on itself easily but still comfortable to wear for extended periods. The tough webbing is strong enough where either the padded or standard version will do the job nicely. The sling is adjusted by means of pulling on a tab attached to a polymer (or optional aluminum) slider. The webbing is completely closed and does not have any free hanging ends to pose a possible snag hazard. However, due to its closed design, there is somewhat less adjustment range. There is no lock on the slider, but I have yet to have it move when I didn’t want it to.
The VTAC sling has an adjustment buckle that locks the adjustment in place. A pull tab unlocks the buckle for quick extension of the sling. To tighten the sling, simply pull on the free end of the adjustment strap.
Viking Tactics Sling (VTAC)
The VTAC sling is made of softer webbing than the VCAS. At first blush, it may seem too soft to do the job, but it actually works very well. That said, I prefer the padded version of this sling. The VTAC offers quite a bit of versatility. The sling is adjusted by either pulling on the running end to shorten the sling, or by pulling on the lanyard attached to the adjustment buckle to lengthen. The free running end can be secured to the main portion of the sling by way of the built-in keepers. This will make the sling behave like the Vickers sling and limit its adjustment range. The benefit, however, is that there will be no free end dangling from the sling causing a potential snag hazard. The other option is to allow the running end to dangle free, which gives the sling maximum adjustment range. I typically run the sling this way.
Velcro keepers built into the free running end can be optionally used to secure it to the main body of the sling. This eliminates the snag hazard, but necessarily limits the adjustment range of the sling.
Which one?
Which sling is right for you? I’ve used both quite a bit on the job and in classes in the past several years. Either is an excellent choice, but if I had to choose, I give a slight edge to the VTAC sling for its versatility. However, I still use the VCAS on a couple of my training guns. Take a look at the features of both slings and pick the one that works best for you.
Sources:
http://www.blueforcegear.com/categories/Vickers-Slings/
I highly suggest the Frank Proctor Sling or the Sheriff of Baghdad sling for lighter, more streamlined adjustable two points.
I just finished putting together my Ar and went with the bfg sling. Ive been wanting to attend a course to put it through its paces. Im in so cal and was wondering if you would recommend some good schools or courses I should look into.
Many top level instructors such as Pat McNamara, John McPhee, Kyle Lamb, Mike Panonne, Larry Vickers, and Ken Hackathorn travel to Southern California for classes. Use your Google Fu to search out their training schedules and find one that suits your goals and schedule.
Great article Tim! I was rather amused as I run both. It is a Conundrum as to which I prefer. The early version of the VTAC was notes user friendly as the updated versions. I as well prefer the padded versions.
I just purchased the Blue Force Gear padded OD VCAS sling for my LE 901.
I have run the gamut of slings. Eventually I tired of burying my muzzle into a hard or semi hard surface while taking a knee. Before all the hate starts, that is just my feeling on single points.
That being said you can turn your Two point into a single point depending on hardware attached to your weapon. My good friend Dale Drowne turned me onto the Climber Carry with the Two point sling which with a simple setup converts it to a single point. This is achieved in the way you sling it and simply giving the carbine a twist and bringing it up to the center of you chest.
I have ran the padded Vickers Tactical since 2008 at work and when I mobilized. I like it so well that I run one on my 870 and bought one for my wife’s work gun. The padding is nice due to the fact that if you have to wear a rifle all day long it does not dig into you nearly as bad as the issued one.
Dan
I have the standard VTAC sling on a 16″ LR308. His gun serves as both a patrol rifle and personal use rifle. The standard sling works great and is very comfortable with my vest on. Without a vest on the thin sling tends to get a bit uncomfortable on the shoulder and back. When I was shopping for the sling the VTAC was around 15-20 less than the Vickers.