When it comes to tactical sling, there are a lot of options available, but it largely comes down to a few basic types based off the points of contact with the weapon – 1, 2, or 3, with some allowing you to change between configurations. The classic sling is that of the 2-point, but even this has adapted over time. One such sling is the Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Sling.
Blue Force Gear’s Logo on the Multicam VCAS
According to BFG, this sling is designed to handle the transition from carrying to firing, in quick order. I’ll admit that I’m primarily a 1-point sling guy for Airsoft purposes, so testing this sling was a little tougher for me. The fact is airsoft leaves you operating with a constant expectation of engagement with OpFor, far different from the reality of those using the Real Steel versions in theater. Still, I’ll give you my best impressions of the sling itself.
VCAS right out of the package
Taking the sling from it’s box, I could see that it was, as expected from BFG, very high quality. The stitching is top notch and the webbing has the feel of quality that you come to learn when handling cheap versus high-end. The webbing is an inch wide, largely, I suspect, as it is designed to fit common stock, not just a QR. The slides are all of quality plastic (I’ll admit I can’t tell plastics apart easily, only that these are solid and well molded). Installation can be a little odd if you’ve never set up a sling of this nature before, but BFG include clear, easy to follow directions to help you out. Additionally, I like BFGs packaging. They make good use of the labels to include the instructions on the back, making it not only less wasteful, but less likely to be lost.
Multicam VCAS
For the test, I set it up on my Bushmaster AR-15 (yes, real steel), largely as its been easier for me to get to the range lately than to the field. I also felt it would give me a better feel for the sling’s intent as my AR doesn’t have any unusual sling adapters, just a standard forward point and slots in my collapsible stock. Adjusting the sling took a bit of work, definitely trial and error, until I felt I had found a comfortable spot to keep it close in a transport, but allow ease of transition to a firing position.
That accomplished, it was off to the range. There is a method to firing with a 2-point sling that can aid in reducing muzzle lift from an off-hand position. I won’t go into it here, Google it if you need. I can say the sling did well here, not slipping when basic pressure was applied, or even under a fair bit of strain. When pulled taught, the slides lock in place as they should and proper adjustment isn’t too difficult. That said, transitioning right from carry to fire doesn’t bring you right to this position; you will need to fine tune it after. Of course, in a fire fight, you aren’t likely to have much time, so expect to fire slack until you can readjust.
When carried, the sling is fairly comfortable, especially over gear. While the strap is fairly narrow, it is also stiff webbing, reducing the cut-in effect. On top of that, the quick adjustability makes it simple to pull tight or loosen as needed, within your preset limits. That said, when pointed into the end of a stock I found the rifle sat low, getting in the way of my movement.
I also tried the transition from strong to weak side as demonstrated by BFG on their site. I understand the basics and was able to accomplish the change, but I have to admit I would need to practice it A LOT before I felt comfortable doing it in a tight situation. This becomes even truer when pressed up against a building or in thick vegetation. Honestly, I would recommend looking at BFGs alternate sling attachment gear if you intend to use it in this manner. Stock, out of the box, this is an area in which it lacks.
Blue Force Gear does offer a variety of those adapters on their website, and I would move to a buffer tube sling point with this sling moving forward, This would not only allow the easier transition between shoulders, but allow the rifle to sit in a higher resting position. Setup in this regard, I think this sling would start to shine a bit more, and I intend to try it out and report back on it.
Overall, this is a great sling and I see its strength. It isn’t the style I generally run with, but for a long op where breaks may be short causing you to remain armed, or when moving distances with little need to come immediately on point, this sling would do well. For most airsoft games, especially those with constant threat of engagement, I’d have to stick to a 1-point or adaptive style myself. Your mileage may vary, but if you like the 2-point style with the ability to go from slung to engaged quickly, this sling is for you!
— Stephen!
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