Question to all VCAS users

[tiger seven]

In a discussion on another forum, an Iraq veteran described his dislike for the VCAS dues to some issues he had while using it operationally. His complaint was that what he termed the "friction adapter" (which I took to mean the quick-adjust slider) would loosen up when the sling wasn't under load, as when riding in a vehicle, and that later when he dismounted the sling would then be too long and need to be adjusted. He also stated that the problem was not unique to him but was experienced by others in his unit.

I've never experienced this with my VCAS, and this was the first I had ever heard of such a problem. However, I've only had mine for a few months now and I'm using it in a very different environment. Also, I only have a statistical sample of one to base my statements on, and we all know that doesn't measure up to much. By no means am I questioning what the guy said, but I would like to ask those of you who've owned a VCAS longer than me and used it much, much more than I have.

Has anyone experienced a VCAS loosening up like this when not under tension? Was this perhaps an issue with early slings that has since been fixed?

Thanks.

Derek

[John_Wayne777]

That's a new one on me. I've used the sling for a while now including in various training courses where we've had to have a slung weapon for 8 hours or longer every day. I've never had issues with the quick adjust going haywire on me.

I'm sure that the folks at BFG would love to see the slings in question and to even get their hands on them to see what's going on. If there's an issue I'm sure they want to correct it ASAP.

[HolyRoller]

My VCAS will sometimes slip out an inch or so, at some point between stowing the carbine in the case and taking it out again. Simple solution--just pull on the tab as part of your normal preflight when putting on the weapon. I'm a light user of M4s compared to those who hump it all day in the GWOT, but once it's hanging, my Vickers sling stays where I adjust it. I must say that I prefer it to the other leading brand sling, which I've been T&Eing on my AR-10, but since the individual behind that sling has written a book that I read a couple nights a week, and LAV hasn't written a book at all (except he was in Six Minutes to Freedom of course), I figure I'm giving them about equal time.

[Larry Vickers]

That is a new one on me also but I would urge the end user to contact Ashley at Blue Force Gear directly and report to him the problem - I have used it quite a while now and except for the slider creeping a inch or so when locked down I have not seen a problem - we can look into making it more difficult to adjust but it is a fine line between too easy and too difficult if you know what I mean

Let us know if you have more details

be safe

LAV

[Failure2Stop]

I have only experienced it loosening minimally when not under load. And to cut to the chase, the sling being slightly looser than I would prefer for a patrol has not impacted my ability to use the weapon in a gunfight.

I'm not sayin' anything, I'm just sayin'

[tiger seven]

That is a new one on me also but I would urge the end user to contact Ashley at Blue Force Gear directly and report to him the problem - I have used it quite a while now and except for the slider creeping a inch or so when locked down I have not seen a problem - we can look into making it more difficult to adjust but it is a fine line between too easy and too difficult if you know what I mean

Let us know if you have more details

be safe

LAV

I really appreciate your input. I do know what you mean about the slider, as I had the same thought. If you make it too tight then the quick-adjust becomes a not-so-quick-adjust. The guy that made these statements is a new member, so I don't really know anything about him or his background. When I remarked that I had never experienced or even heard of what he was describing, he got a bit prickly. If I have any further communication with him I'll suggest that he contact Ashley at BFG.

I was a bit hesitant to even post this, as the last thing I want to do is help spread bad talk about a good product. Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Derek

[militarymoron]

just my humble opinion (as a low-speed civvie), but i don't think anything needs to be changed. the slider relies on tension to lock. if it's not under tension, it can move, and that's to be expected. just like ladder loc adjustments on backpacks, cinch straps or any other tension adjustment. leave a backpack bouncing around in a vehicle and you won't expect to find the straps in the same position as they were before if they're not under tension.
i'd also rather have the sling loosen up accidentally than tighten.

[Larry Vickers]

thanx for the feedback - you guys are basically saying what I have felt ref the slider design; Ashley and I experimented with some much stiffer webbing that did not slide as easy and it was a no go right from the start

I do have an idea I am going to run past Ashley when I talk to him next time - if it comes to anything I will let you know

Cheers

LAV

[mark5pt56]

I've been using the VCAS for some time as well and haven't experienced any slippage.

Please, please, please don't change anything like the quick release buckle type set up-the one on the old 3 points. They are worthless.

I could see some sort of tension mechanism that you squeeze to slide to adjust length?

Mark

[Gutshot John]

I have two Vickers slings, one of the padded and one of the non-padded VCAS variety.

I've noticed minimal slippage on the padded sling (an inch or two even when locked down) which I did NOT notice on the VCAS sling.

I accepted this as "within normal tolerances" but I'd be curious in hearing more.

Still the best sling going.

[Heavy Metal]

Hell, I made mine work slicker by saturating the sling with sillicon spray.

I do not think it needs to be any tighter.

[sff70]

No such problems for me.

[R Moran]

I've been using the VCAS sling since about their introduction, and can not recall this happening. This includes classes, training with my personal and duty gun etc. and having the carbine sit in a duty vehicle rack for 12 hours, I never noticed it loosen or tighten.
On the other hand, the other 2 pt sling, would spontaneously adjust all the time, usually from my radio antenna hitting the release, dropping my carbine to my knees.

Bob

[Larry Vickers]

thanx for all the positive feedback guys - I discussed this with Ashley and in our never ending quest to make the sling better we are going to experiment with a slight mod to see if it helps the slight slippage issue; of course it won't see the light of day until we are happy with it - I will keep you posted

cheers

LAV