VTAC sling on M16A2?

[lamarbrog]

I've been trying to figure out what kind of sling I want for my rifle and after a few weeks of reading I've really come to be impressed with what the VTAC sling has to offer.

So, I'm all ready to get a VTAC... but there's one hang up. How well will this work on a full size rifle? As far as sling mounting goes, it's basically an M16A2 equivalent. (It is flat top, but I don't have rails like on an M16A4... so a rail-mounted sling mount is not an option.)

I'd imagine it would probably work okay if I got a side mount sling swivel like Colt offers.... Dynamic Armament has them for $30.

What I'm really looking for is someone who is using this set up and can say "It works". I don't want to spend $100 getting this gear to discover I max out adjustment before it can do anything worthwhile.

Thanks guys.

[Uglyduck]

I've got one on my carbine and it has a ton of adjustment, they're made long so they can be cut down by the user. I like the sling but find it has a small index point for adjustment, which isn't a big deal if you're not constantly adjusting it. Mine is also a bit older, I believe they've changed the adjustment mechanism to something larger now. I can't comment on its use on a full size rifle. Have you looked at the Ares Armor Huskey Amentum? I am now, simply because I like the large index point and its (apparent) ease of use. I don't intend to sway your decision, the VTAC is a good sling, just thought the Amentum worth mentioning.

[TehLlama]

The VTAC, BFG VCAS, and Ares should all work fine on the longer rifle - max out the fixed adjustment and you'll be set. I do use the side mounted sling swivel on my work A4, but even when I'm just going to the range (and going without that), it works just fine: use the front sling swivel on bottom with the buttstock on top. If you can find a cheap buttstock adapter, that will help a ton (rifle will hang naturally if it's hanging from the top in the rear, not so much if justing using both existing swivels).

[Paulo_Santos]

I've ran a VTAC sling on an A2 buttstock and it works fine. Just get the A2 buttstock sling adaptor for the buttstock. Up front, I prefer to mount the sling on the side, but it can also work on the bottom.

[lamarbrog]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

The Ares sling actually looks really nice, thanks for alerting me to it... I wonder about the durability of what appears to be a polymer slider, though. I guess it is fine... does it seem solid? I kind of worry about the loop being a snag risk, too. It definitely seems quick to adjust, though, which is nice.

Tough call, lots of good options.

[Uglyduck]

I seem to recall MARSOC bought a bunch of Amentums. That doesn't speak to their durability and I don't know how or if they were tested but one things for sure, those guys will beat the hell out of 'em and expose any weakness'.

[lamarbrog]

That's good to know Uglyduck, thanks for the info.

I'll order the Colt front sling mount from Dynamic Armament and mull this over a bit. I've been eyeing the VTAC for a while, and have a few friends who like it. The Amentum may be a step up, though.

[Failure2Stop]

I would look into something like the IWC QD sling swivels over the barrel side-swivel.
Much cleaner, keeps your sling attachment point off the barrel (though not having a FF tube isn't going to help too much), and it's even easier than pounding those roll pins.

[lamarbrog]

I don't have a rail- so by the time I add a Knight's M5 RAS I've got a $500 into mounting a sling, and a ton of additional weight. Not worth it.

[CCK]

Lamarbrog,
I think what he was saying was getting this:

http://www.impactweaponscomponents.c...d-micro-mount/

and adding it to your handguards. I agree with him. It allows you to take the sling off quickly if need be.

Chris

[lamarbrog]

Ahh.. the thing I found was rail mounted it seemed. That makes more sense.

But, won't that put it in the way of the sights potentially?

[CCK]

Ahh.. the thing I found was rail mounted it seemed. That makes more sense.

But, won't that put it in the way of the sights potentially?

No. It does not.

[lamarbrog]

I guess the implication is to install this front and back? The benefit being that I am able to remove the sling from the rifle quickly?

The Amentum sling has a QD buckle so you can lose the rifle quickly if you need to. I can definitely see a benefit to that if the rifle gets jammed somewhere, you fall in water, etc.

What are the benefits to being able to remove the entire sling quickly, though? Especially if I am only using one sling and not switching back and forth. I can definitely see how it would be convenient- but can someone explain what the practical benefit is?

I'm not saying there isn't one, I just don't see it.

[Failure2Stop]

The ability to quickly remove the sling is nice, but the reason I am recommending it is because it is a clean, simple solution that is extremely cost effective.

Interfere with sights? Not if you drill a 1/2" hole in the side of the HG into which you mount the QD cup.

[CCK]

F2S is right, cheap and very effective.


I would suggest having two options of egress from the rifle when you NEED it is better than one, no?

Chris