View Full Version : VTAC Sling.... I just don't get it. Suggestions welcome
I'm probably going to get suggestions that I already have considered...The obvious is why would I try a VTAC sling when I'm happy with the Vickers combat sling? The answers is because Kyle Defoor uses them and he seems to have that sling perfected. I attended a 2 day advanced class and Kyle's rifle seemed to be attached to him so natural I figured I would try the VTAC.
I can't get it adjusted and the extra tail to adjust the length just is a pain in the ass.
Am I missing something or is someone going to get a smoking deal on a new Multicam padded VTAC sling? :(
polymorpheous
10-02-11, 15:44
I have both the VTAC and a couple of the VCAS.
I prefer the VCAS.
"The obvious is why would I try a VTAC sling when I'm happy with the Vickers combat sling?"
Yeah good question.
"Because Kyle Defoor uses them."
So why didn't you ask Kyle?
Really dude, its a sling and not that complicated. Adjust the length of the sling so the tail ends at about where the front mount is mounted to your rifle. This will be your general use length. If you need to cinch it to tighten up a shooting position crank down on it. If you need more slack loosen it up. Make sure your using a mount mounted directly to a free floated rail and not the barrel mount....otherwise your going to see poi shifts.
And please don’t bitch about the "tail". When properly adjusted there is no tail. Use the Velcro tab.
The only downside the the Vtac is the shitty cord they use on the adjuster. I just made one of those 550 cord handle dohickeys that guys use for key chains. Much easier to take the slack out of.
I have used both and while the VCAS is a fine sling I prefer the Vtac for ease of adjustment and the fact you can cinch it down to stabilize your shooting platform(prone, sitting, kneeling).
To me, the only truly viable difference that has an impact between the two is that the VTAC's adjuster is in the exact same place, all the time. If one wants to reduce or eliminate the possibility of fumbling with their sling when they need to loosen or release it, the VTAC is the way to go.
I agree that the stock pull for that adjuster is probably too small, but there's no shortage of 550 cord out there for a longer, braided pull or a monkey's fist to be made. For me and the way I set up a sling, the adjuster always ended up right behind my left armpit, and putting a longer pull on it resulted in the thing getting caught on stuff and getting actuated at...ahhh, we'll call them "inopportune moments."
Oddly, never had a problem with the tail; I had a second-flight version, and used the velcro keeper.
So, I use VCAS slings and always have immediate access to the adjuster. It may not always be in the same place, but anyplace it falls is someplace I can reach it without truly conscious effort. Same thing with the EMDOM Gunslinger.
None of this is a ding on the VTAC. It's still a great design and something I'd absolutely still use if other options didn't exist.
On my sling, I used gutted 550 and heat shrink from Radio Shack to make a nice, easy to find, quiet pull lanyard for the quick adjust buckle.
Think Arc'Teryx zipper pulls on a VTAC sling.
"The obvious is why would I try a VTAC sling when I'm happy with the Vickers combat sling?"
Yeah good question.
"Because Kyle Defoor uses them."
So why didn't you ask Kyle?
Really dude, its a sling and not that complicated. Adjust the length of the sling so the tail ends at about where the front mount is mounted to your rifle. This will be your general use length. If you need to cinch it to tighten up a shooting position crank down on it. If you need more slack loosen it up. Make sure your using a mount mounted directly to a free floated rail and not the barrel mount....otherwise your going to see poi shifts.
And please don’t bitch about the "tail". When properly adjusted there is no tail. Use the Velcro tab.
The only downside the the Vtac is the shitty cord they use on the adjuster. I just made one of those 550 cord handle dohickeys that guys use for key chains. Much easier to take the slack out of.
I have used both and while the VCAS is a fine sling I prefer the Vtac for ease of adjustment and the fact you can cinch it down to stabilize your shooting platform(prone, sitting, kneeling).
I'll **** with it some more and try not to bitch about the tail :shout:
With the VTAC (or equivelant) you can go from admin tight (stored on your back or front when working with both hands) to loose enough to put the rifle in high port and run with it.
Every VCAS sling I've tried doesn't offer the flexiblity to do both (super tight for stowing, super loose for high port work).
Pick the one that best works for you and drive on...nuff said.
heat shrink
I just got through rooting around for this stuff and found it at my local True Value.
I used some 1/2" to repair a worn portion of my Surefire DG switch. At the time, I picked up some 1/4" for reasons I couldn't even begin to explain.
Now I know that the universe was speaking to me, through my zippers. :D
Ha ha. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the heat shrink 'mod' if you go that route. It works very well for me.
I spent some time with the VTAC and decided to keep it. Thanks for all the input guys.
It does have some advantages and I'll get used to the small things that bug me.
I think "because Kyle Defoor uses it" is probably the wrong reason to change what you're comfortable with and effective with. One of the great things about this site is that you can see how different people utilize their gear. Just because it works for somebody else doesn't mean it will work for you. Not to take away anything from Mr. Defoor, it is my understanding that he's a squared away dude, but maybe the reason it works for him is something completely different that how it pertains to you. Seems this is another iteration of the Magpul syndrome. Costa has it, so it has to be great. Well sure, for Costa it works, for me, not so much and the training time devoted to learning it doesn't necessarily equate to any significant gain.
You might actually want to take it with a couple other slings to a top tier carbine course. This will allow you to use it and learn proper techniques in a controlled and constructive environment.
I guess I should have provided why I gave it a try after Kyle's class so I'm not viewed as some ahole that buys shit because all the cool kids have it. I liked the way the sling was easily manipulated and the adjustment from tight to the body to shooting from any position was easily done. The reason I started the thread was because I have not had enough time to **** around with the sling and I guess I'm being lazy and asking for input based on my 1st impressions. I got good feedback and will leave it on one of my 16" middys and give it a chance.
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