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Archive | Tactical Gear
Review: 45 Offset QD Rotation Limited 1913 Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT
Rail mounted QD sling swivel sockets are one of the most common ways to mount a sling on an AR and, for the most part, these mounts are very similar. They sit directly on the rail and project the socket up so that it has enough depth to accept the swivel. The result is a sling mount that sticks a full inch from the rail with the swivel inserted. Impact Weapon Components (IWC) noticed this and saw it as an opportunity. They created the 45 Offset QD Rotation Limited 1913 Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT (which is a mouthful, so I’ll just refer to it as the Offset Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT) to a be a lower profile alternative to the typical QD sling mount.
Overview
The Offset Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT differs from regular QD sling mounts in that it places the socket to the side of the rail, angled at 45 degrees. This means that the depth of the socket can be placed into the empty space between rails, rather than built up on top of the rail. The result is a sling mount that sits nearly flush with the rail that it is attached to. It is lower profile than some rail covers.
It is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized for a durable, matte black finish. It has several stops machined into the socket to limit rotation. The design allows it to be able to be mounted on either the left or right side of most rails.
45 Offset Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT shown with a typical QD sling mount.
Observations from Use
I am sure that some readers are going to question how the carbine hangs and handles with the sling mounting point offset the way it is. I found no discernable difference. Functionally, it works and operates just as well as any typical QD sling mount but with less bulk.
I tested the Offset Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT on several rails. It worked well on nearly everything I tried. The only exception was the rear 2/3rds Ultimak M1-B AK rail. There is a shoulder on these rails that interferes with the socket. It can be mounted on the front 1/3 of the Ultimak but I prefer to have my sling further back.
This is a good top rail sling mount which a good thing considering the proliferation of rails that are available with top rails only these days. Off set sling mounts like this make it possible for users to mount their sling, light, and front sight all on the top rail. So, unless you need a vertical grip or bipod, there may not be a need for any rail other than the top rail.
The 45 Offset Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT can be seen in the background. This image shows just how low profile it is.
Wrap Up
45 Offset QD Rotation Limited 1913 Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT is just about as low profile as a QD sling swivel can be. IWC claims that it is the lowest profile QD sling mount available. I can’t verify that, but I can say it is easily the lowest profile QD sling mount that I have used by a longshot. I am very impressed with this mount.
Check out the 45 Offset QDRL 1913 Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT on ImpactWeaponsComponents.com. Remember to use the discount code “triggerjerk” for special pricing.
Disclosure: IWC provided this sling mount to me for review, free of charge.
Boker Vox T-Hawk
There is a new economical, full-tang construction tomahawk on the market – the Boker Vox T-Hawk.
The Vox T-Hawk was designed by Jesper Voxnaes of Vox Knives. It is made from 6mm thick SK5 carbon steel which has been powder coated for rust resistance. The handle features G-10 handle slabs which are removable to expose the skeletonized handle for cord wrapping. It also comes with a nylon sheath.
Check out the Boker Vox T-Hawk on the Boker web site.
New Weapon Accessories at PredatorARMAMENT
That project AR (or AK) that has been sitting in your safe, neglected, is getting tired of waiting for you to finish it! PredatorARMAMENT can help.
PredatorARMAMENT just added several items to their site that can help you set up your AR (or AK) just the way you want it. They now have the hot new Noveske NSR, Troy VTAC rails, Midwest Industries SS rails, Parabellum Armament AKARS AK Adaptive Rail, and more. Check out PredatorARMAMENT.com.
Review: Blue Force Gear Burnsed Socket
There are distinct advantages to both single and 2 point slings. Thankfully, devices like the Blue Force gear Burnsed Socket let you choose which is best for your specific set of circumstances on the fly.
Overview
Blue Force Gear (BFG) designed the Burnsed Socket in 2005 to be part of the SOC-C sling system. The SOC-C is an expansive sling system that can be configured as a 1, 2, or 3 point sling. Now the Burnsed Socket is available as a stand-alone item.
The Burnsed Socket is made from hard anodized aluminum and weighs only 13 grams. It has a QD sling swivel socket (not rotation limited) and a channel that allows it to be placed on either 1” or 1.25” slings. It available in either black or coyote brown hard anodized finishes.
To use the Burnsed Socket, the user simply threads it onto their sling near the rear attachment point. The front sling attachment point must utilize a QD sling swivel like the previously reviewed Blue Force Gear RED. It rides at the rear, basically unnoticed, until the user needs to convert their sling into a single point. When the user needs to convert the sling, they simply release the QD sling swivel at their front attachment point and then reconnect the swivel to the Burnsed Socket. It is quick and easy.
Observations from Use
The Burnsed Socket can slide freely when installed on the sling. I like to install it between the 2 tri-glides that most slings provide at the rear attachment point to limit its movement.
After some trial and error, I found that it is easy to use if you install it with the socket facing in rather than out on your sling. This places the socket at an angle that is very easy to work with when you need to convert the sling.
Nearly every one of my slings is set up with a Burnsed Socket or something that offers similar functionality now. I store them in 2 point configuration and carry them in 2 point configuration but will usually switch to single point configuration when I am shooting. I have come to appreciate the way single point slings stay completely out of the way of the magwell, the easy transitions from shoulder to shoulder, the way they need less adjustment to account for different shooting positions, and how they work better with armor.
There is no downside to the socket being non-rotation limited for the way that I use the Burnsed Socket. The sling is always in 2 point configuration when I don and doff the carbine. Once I transition to single point configuration, the sling can’t really twist because it is being worn.
Wrap Up
The Burnsed Socket successfully allows you to convert your sling from a 2 point to a single point sling on the fly. It is lightweight and it stays out of your way when you aren’t using it. It offers functionality that I use and appreciate. Check it out the Burnsed Socket at BlueForceGear.com.
Disclosure: Blue Force Gear advertises on this site and they provided the Burnsed Socket for review, free of charge.