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View Full Version : Are the IDF Slings good to go?



Magic_Salad0892
12-18-10, 03:27
http://www.zahal.org/products/idf-emblem-embroidered-on-special-forces-sling?path_parent=153457

A lot of guys on TOS, and other sites use them for IDF clone builds.

If they're a true piece of kit for the IDF. I have a few questions:

Are they as good as current slings? (CQD*, Vickers, Gear Sector*, Magpul, etc.)

Can they be mounted to the KAC sling plate, and eyelet, or do they have their own mounting system? (One reason I like my CQD slings.)

Overall opinions welcomed.

I'm looking at them because they're cheap, and I'm looking for a change. Plus they're cooler than hell.

86K5
12-18-10, 04:12
I haven't overly abused the one I have on my AK yet but so far it is good to go. I would definitely get one from this guy for sure: http://www.desertpatches.com/DesertPatches.com/Desert_Patches.html

half the cost of what the link you posted wants and only a buck for shipping. For a cheap carry sling you can't beat it though it does look cheap. It is not as "nice" as the others you mentioned but if you decide you don't like it, your not out much.

usmcvet
12-18-10, 06:23
Any of you guys have a photo one on your gun?

TOrrock
12-18-10, 08:06
I've used them in the past.

Better than a standard USGI sling? Sure.

Compete with a Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Application Sling? Hell no.

If cost is a factor, you might want to take a hard look at BFG's Victory line. Excellent sling at almost half the price of the first line VCAS slings.

Rhutch
12-18-10, 08:31
I agree with Templar. I have one on my Tavor, it's ok for what it is but not in the same league as a Vickers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

sdcromer
12-18-10, 08:47
I have both and have used both. They are good, but with Blue Force Gear running 50% off on their OD green with free shipping, go with the Vickers! Right now you can get the OD green Vickers with acetal adjuster delivered for $23.48.

http://www.blueforcegear.com/products/Vickers-Combat-Applications-Sling%E2%84%A2.html

LowSpeed_HighDrag
12-18-10, 09:26
Ive used one, I'd say it would be fine for a range sling. Ive been kicking a Ares Armor Huskey Amentum around for awhile and I just cant find a thing I hate about it. I have 1 on my issue and one on my personal. Great guys that make em too. I switched my VCAS out for this:http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/aahuskey2pt.html

Stickman
12-18-10, 11:32
It is a very functional sling, but like with anything else, it is a matter of what you are looking for. There are other slings that might suit your needs better, and its very hard to beat the adjustable two point slings that are on the market currently.

markm
12-18-10, 11:42
It's the only sling I use. I have one on every AR I own and two spares in my loading bench.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/hudson101.jpg?t=1292693824

Ace Ltd. rail loop from blueforcegear.com
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/hudson095.jpg?t=1292693980

It's a very versatile sling... You have all the two point carry options... plus you can carry it in a muzzle down tactical style carry if you're in a class or whatever.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/hudson096.jpg?t=1292694037

bkb0000
12-18-10, 11:52
i cant figure out how the sling in question attaches.. but from photos i've seen of IDF slings in the field, they like to attach them via nylon to the FSB. just doesn't seem wise to attach anything meltable to the FSB, which can get hot enough to light cigarettes on.

usmcvet
12-18-10, 12:34
BFG still has 50% of all of their camo green slings. That is hard to beat. I thought the sale had ended.

Magic_Salad0892
12-18-10, 15:33
http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/aahuskey2pt.html

Can this be mounted on a rear sling plate?

I won't use a stock mounted sling.

Why? In awkward positions when I adjust the stock, it also adjusts the sling position, which chokes me out. It also changes where on my body the gun sits (kind of), and it's extremely irritating.

Money isn't a factor. I just saw them and was asking.

I have some CQD, and Gear Sector slings that I'm pretty happy with. I just want to play with something new.

How is the Vickers Cobra Padded Sling? (2-Point)

spdldr
12-18-10, 18:55
It's very simple to eliminate the choking. Just mount the rear of the sling to the strong side rather than the weak side of the rear of the stock. Then if you transition from strong side to weak side aimed fire, the sling won't choke you. Carries better too.

2" wide IDF slings are very comfortable. They are just about as comfortable as a padded sling and don't have the restrictions of adjustment. For some reason though, when we tried 2" tactical slings they did not sell too well. The 1 1/2" is our best seller. Almost all of our hunting sling sales are 2" models.

The nylon parachute cord at the ends of the IDF slings will start to melt at about 400 degrees F, with full melt at about 500. This is adequate unless you get the barrel so hot it is uncomfortable to touch the hand guards.

LowSpeed_HighDrag
12-18-10, 19:04
http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/aahuskey2pt.html

Can this be mounted on a rear sling plate?

I won't use a stock mounted sling.

Why? In awkward positions when I adjust the stock, it also adjusts the sling position, which chokes me out. It also changes where on my body the gun sits (kind of), and it's extremely irritating.

Money isn't a factor. I just saw them and was asking.

I have some CQD, and Gear Sector slings that I'm pretty happy with. I just want to play with something new.

How is the Vickers Cobra Padded Sling? (2-Point)
Give them a call during working hours and they'll answer that for ya. It doesnt choke me, even in weak hand, just watch Demitri's video demo. If it count mount to a plate, they'll work up something for you that can I bet.

CaptainDooley
12-18-10, 21:19
http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/aahuskey2pt.html

Can this be mounted on a rear sling plate?


My Huskey is mounted up with a MASH hook onto an ASAP on the rear and similarly at the front of the receiver and is rigged up as a 2pt-1pt convertible style sling. seems to work pretty well for me.

markm
12-18-10, 21:47
i cant figure out how the sling in question attaches.. but from photos i've seen of IDF slings in the field, they like to attach them via nylon to the FSB. just doesn't seem wise to attach anything meltable to the FSB, which can get hot enough to light cigarettes on.

I've run paracord on FSBs in class before. Never a problem. If my FSB were to get hot enough to light a cigarette on, the gas tube would have probably already melted or burst.

I run the paracord on rail sling loops now, but If I had a bean with no rail system, I wouldn't hesitate to use the FSB again.

bkb0000
12-18-10, 22:00
I've run paracord on FSBs in class before. Never a problem. If my FSB were to get hot enough to light a cigarette on, the gas tube would have probably already melted or burst.

I run the paracord on rail sling loops now, but If I had a bean with no rail system, I wouldn't hesitate to use the FSB again.

everyone has their own experience.. personally, i melted the nylon on the back of my shooting gloves not too long ago, after doing a transition to pistol while prone, and resting my hand on the general area of the FSB on a 10.5. i suppose it might have been all muzzle, but when you're talking 1 inch, how much difference can there be (thats what she said)? i was shooting the gun hard, but not any harder than usual.

xrayoneone
12-18-10, 23:19
Correct me if I'm wrong but they look like a slightly refined USGI GP sling. I bought 10 for $10 at the last gun show I was at. I used one to carry my 203 in the Marines because we didn't have sling extenders and the issue sling would always dig into my neck. This was years before the Vickers sling hit the market.

Magic_Salad0892
12-18-10, 23:51
Thanks for the words. Keep 'em coming. This is turning out pretty great.

TOrrock
12-19-10, 07:46
The ones I'm more familiar with had metal snap hooks like an AK, for use with the Galil.

I'm assuming they wanted a silent system which is why they went to a nylon cord.

Just about all the pics I've seen of Israeli troops carrying their weapons (Galil, M16, M4, Tavor), if they're right handed, the sling is over their left shoulder, rather than their right shoulder like you'd expect on a modern adjustable two point.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/IDF/ispal.jpg

spdldr
12-19-10, 11:07
It is also often over both, which means that it is over the back of the neck. This is a very uncomfortable way to carry a weapon for an extended period, especially if it is heavy. The American way is much better for long carry time comfort but may tend to snag on gear carried on the left side if right handed.

markm
12-19-10, 15:50
It is also often over both, which means that it is over the back of the neck. This is a very uncomfortable way to carry a weapon for an extended period

Yes. I've done this for 8 hours. It can fatigue your neck. And if your neck is getting too much sun.. it'll get uncomfortable too.

But the beauty of the sling is that you can carry any of the other ways to give your neck a break... african, American, over the back, etc.

smoothisfastmanila
12-20-10, 07:42
The ones I'm more familiar with had metal snap hooks like an AK, for use with the Galil.

I'm assuming they wanted a silent system which is why they went to a nylon cord.

Just about all the pics I've seen of Israeli troops carrying their weapons (Galil, M16, M4, Tavor), if they're right handed, the sling is over their left shoulder, rather than their right shoulder like you'd expect on a modern adjustable two point.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/IDF/ispal.jpg

A bit OT here...but is that CTAR in OD? That cammies it up very well! Doesn't it?

Aside from carrying the sling over the left shoulder, the IDF sling is also simply looped 'round the neck.

________

You are in the business because you are breathing. -- Louis Armstrong

smoothisfastmanila
12-20-10, 08:02
If the end-user is going to mount an IDF sling on an M4 rear-end sling plate I recommend the below-mentioned transition drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB96LfLE-sA

Remember, IDF slings are like AK Slings on steroids.

However, if it is going to be mounted on the rear end of the butt-stock + FSA (i.e. front sight assembly) I recommend the same transition drill taught by US SF.

Also, the IDF has not encountered many "melting" issues with 550 para-cord being looped around the FSA. If this however is the end-user's concern, then probably this is the solution for you:

http://www.blueforcegear.com/products/Universal-Wire-Loop.html

Caveat: It would be an upward swim to argue that the IDF sling lacks relevance to a Sayeret who has operated in Rammalah, Jennin, West Bank, etc. considering the Sayeret has relied on his IDF sling to retain his weapon within the confines of the above-mentioned contested areas.

________

You are in the business because you are breathing. -- Louis Armstrong

Magic_Salad0892
12-20-10, 16:38
Wearing it over your left shoulder looks like it would be pretty sweet...

Has anybody tried it during a carbine class or something?

TedG
12-20-10, 21:57
I haven't overly abused the one I have on my AK yet but so far it is good to go. I would definitely get one from this guy for sure: http://www.desertpatches.com/DesertPatches.com/Desert_Patches.htm

I ordered mine yesterday at this site. I like the concept.

markm
12-21-10, 19:47
Has anybody tried it during a carbine class or something?

Almost every carbean class I've ever taken. I might not have discovered the IDF sling when I took my first class years back.... but for sure the last 5 classes I've taken.

I was running them even when 3 point retardation was abound. :rolleyes:

Magic_Salad0892
12-22-10, 05:34
I was running them even when 3 point retardation was abound. :rolleyes:

Lmao. I'm glad I never fell into that.

Uncomfortable as hell.

How did the IDF slings run for you?

Luke_Y
12-22-10, 07:03
If the end-user is going to mount an IDF sling on an M4 rear-end sling plate I recommend the below-mentioned transition drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB96LfLE-sA



Hmmm… Wouldn’t someone be better advised to actually just wear the sling and transition in a normal fashion?

Just saying :)

markm
12-22-10, 17:15
Lmao. I'm glad I never fell into that.

Uncomfortable as hell.

How did the IDF slings run for you?

They ran fine. Your neck will get a little raw after a full day since it's really a seat belt on your neck, but it's not enough of an issue that I'd look for another sling. IDFs are just too versatile to want anything else.