In the world of firearms and tactical gear, the humble swivel often gets overlooked. Yet, for anyone who has experienced the discomfort of a twisted rifle sling or the inconvenience of limited weapon mobility, the importance of a quality swivel is unquestionable.
The demand for a seamless rotation and sturdy build has made way for innovations in materials like steel and aluminium, optimized for both weight and durability.
Amongst various options available, KeyMod systems by Daniel Defense stand out, specifically designed to offer not just superior rotation but also an easy push-button mechanism for quick attachment and detachment.
This feature is especially useful when every angle and second counts, whether you’re a gunsmith in the United States or a modern-day Viking preparing for battle. With today’s advanced optics and numerical control technologies, the receiver on your carbine or rifle can be a crowded planet of accessories.
So, how much money should you invest in a swivel that does its job without compromising on any front? Let’s explore the top contenders of “Best QD Swivel” to help you make an informed decision.
Things To Consider When Choosing sling swivel
When you’re in the market for a sling swivel, several key factors come into play to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs.
One of the first things to consider is the type of firearm you’ll be using. Different guns, such as a carbine, rifle, or shotgun, have unique requirements that influence your swivel choice. For instance, the CAR-15 or an AR-15 style rifle may necessitate a different swivel design compared to a long gun.
Material is another crucial aspect. While traditional steel offers robustness, innovations like 6061 aluminium alloy and stainless steel provide a combination of strength and corrosion resistance, a useful feature especially in adverse conditions like rock climbing or shooting sports.
Anodizing processes also add an extra layer of protection against wear and tear.
Compatibility is an essential consideration too. KeyMod and M-LOK are popular mounting systems, and some brands like Daniel Defense offer swivels specifically designed for these.
Magpul Industries is another name to look for if you’re interested in versatile options. Ensure that your chosen swivel fits not only your weapon but also your other gear, including optics and stock.
If your firearm features a Picatinny rail, make sure the swivel you’re considering is compatible with that as well.
Ease of use should not be overlooked. Many modern swivels offer push-button mechanisms for quick and effortless attachment and detachment.
This is a feature that not only benefits the experienced gunsmith but can also be crucial for a beginner or even a child engaging in shooting sports under supervision.
For those who are ambidextrous, look for a swivel that accommodates this, providing flexibility in weapon handling.
Another variable to keep in mind is rotation. Opt for a swivel that allows smooth rotation at different angles, ensuring you can easily maneuver your firearm whether you’re in the Midwestern United States hunting or participating in a United States Military Standard exercise.
Lastly, consider your budget. While it might be tempting to go for the most economical option, remember that you often get what you pay for. Investing a little more money upfront for a quality swivel could save you more in the long run by reducing the need for replacements or upgrades.
Your final choice should thus be a culmination of various factors, including your specific firearm, experience level, and the conditions under which you’ll be using the swivel.
By carefully considering these elements, you can narrow down your inventory options and make an informed decision that adds value to your shooting experience.
Best QD Swivel
Magpul MAG540 Quick Detach QD Sling Swivel for Rifles
When in search of the best QD swivel for your shooting needs, it’s impossible to overlook the Magpul MAG540. Made from manganese-phosphate finished steel, the swivel offers unparalleled durability and resistance to wear and tear, a marked improvement over its predecessors and competitors that primarily utilize aluminum or stainless steel.
The user-friendly push-button quick-detach feature for 1-1/4″ webbing makes it easy to attach or detach, a crucial feature during dynamic shooting scenarios.
The rapidity and ease of this function can significantly impact your shooting experience, allowing for quick transitions between various shooting positions or even different weapons. This swivel is also versatile in its compatibility, seamlessly integrating with various QD sling attachment points.
When it comes to adaptability, the Magpul MAG540 shines. It’s compatible with MS1 slings and MS1 MS4 adapters, offering a level of versatility that’s hard to find.
When paired with an MS1 sling, the MAG540 can easily be converted into a dedicated two-point sling, an additional benefit that sets it apart from more rigid alternatives.
The MAG540 has evolved from earlier versions, notably in its material composition. The use of manganese-phosphate finished steel addresses earlier concerns regarding corrosion, a common issue with some other materials.
The improvements have been made in line with United States Military Standards, a testament to its robustness and reliability.
Overall, the Magpul MAG540 proves itself as a leader in its category. It excels in durability, ease of use, and compatibility, three of the most important factors when considering the best QD swivel for your shooting needs.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Highly Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey
REERON Two Point Traditional QD Sling
This swivel not only delivers on essential attributes like durability and functionality but also introduces some unique features that set it apart from its competitors.
Starting with its construction, this sling mount is made from a combination of aircraft aluminum and steel, which lends itself to high durability and strength. This combo is particularly noteworthy because it caters to the demands of both lightweight agility and robust resilience, making it a reliable option for rigorous outdoor activities.
The 1.25″ Quick Release Sling Swivels come with a high-strength steel hoop that ensures maximum durability. Unlike some QD swivels prone to deformation or disconnection under stress, the REERON version stands strong, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty use.
When it comes to design, REERON’s Mloc Sling Mount Base is unique and offers an attractive low-profile design that attaches securely to all Mloc rail slots. The steel locking T-nuts screws are not easily bent or broken, adding an extra layer of durability. This feature can save you time and money in the long run, reducing the likelihood of hardware failures that can cause catastrophic issues during operation.
One of the product’s standout features is the non-360° rotational sling mount. Adopting an 8-point position with 45° rotation lock design, it offers stability while still allowing some degree of freedom of movement. This nuanced approach to rotation enables more precision and control, something not commonly seen in other products.
From a user’s perspective, installation and removal are straightforward. The quick-detach and attach swivel is designed to be user-friendly, a major advantage when you need to act fast. Installation is straightforward and only requires an Allen wrench tool.
If we compare the REERON Two Point Traditional QD Sling 1.25″ with other QD swivels, especially those compatible with Mloc systems, it holds its own in terms of durability, ease of use, and unique features. The non-360° rotation is particularly compelling, making it a versatile option for various shooting scenarios.
In conclusion, the REERON Two Point Traditional QD Sling 1.25″ 2 Point Sling Swivels Mount for Mlock is a strong candidate for anyone searching for a reliable, robust, and uniquely designed QD swivel. While it may not offer a full 360-degree rotation, its features and high-quality materials place it high on the list of best QD swivels on the market.
Pros:
- High Durability
- User-Friendly
Cons:
- Limited Rotation
BCMGUNFIGHTER, M-LOK Rail QD Sling Mount, M-LOK Compatible
In the quest for the best QD swivel options, the Bravo Company’s BCMGUNFIGHTER M-LOK Rail QD Sling Mount emerges as a strong contender. Coming from a brand renowned for its quality and durability, this QD sling mount goes above and beyond in a number of performance categories.
Firstly, let’s talk about the material and weight. The item weighs in at 0.09 pounds and, while it may seem like a small attachment, it feels significantly more robust than many of its competitors. This added weight, though possibly considered a drawback by some, is indicative of its heavy-duty build. Bravo Company hasn’t skimped on quality, and you can feel it.
The user experience is enhanced by its low-profile design, which successfully minimizes the “snag” factor. This is crucial for increased mobility, especially in situations where every second counts.
It’s a feature that goes hand in hand with its 8-position (360-degree) non-rotational locking interface, giving the user a comprehensive range of motion without the risk of unintentional rotation.
Compatibility is another area where this mount shines. It’s compatible with the M-LOK mounting system, opening up a plethora of options for rifle customization. Whether you are into shooting sports, hunting, or tactical applications, this feature ensures that you aren’t limited in your choices of compatible gear.
Based on my personal experience, this product feels like an overbuilt QA connection point—solid, easy to install, and with a perfect fit and finish. It comes packaged in oil, requiring a quick clean-up, but this is hardly a downside. It actually serves as a testament to the manufacturer’s focus on preserving the product’s quality.
Comparatively speaking, the BCMGUNFIGHTER mount stands head and shoulders above many of its competitors, especially in terms of build quality and usability.
It feels like a truly combat-grade item, reinforcing the notion that it’s a piece of equipment one could trust implicitly. The item’s country of origin being the United States only adds to its credibility.
In conclusion, the BCMGUNFIGHTER M-LOK Rail QD Sling Mount by Bravo Company is an investment worth making if you’re in the market for a reliable, heavy-duty QD swivel option.
While it may be on the heavier side compared to others, the trade-off is a robust, reliable, and highly functional piece of equipment that lives up to its reputation.
Pros:
- Robust Build
- High Usability
Cons:
- Heavier Weight
Types Of Sling Swivels
When it comes to enhancing your shooting experience, selecting the right type of sling swivel can be as crucial as choosing your rifle or optics. Sling swivels come in various types, each offering unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
Understanding these types can help you make a more informed decision and enhance your shooting or hunting experience.
Traditional Sling Swivels
The most basic type of sling swivels, these are typically made of steel and offer a simple, straightforward design.
These swivels are often used with traditional two-point slings and are a good choice for those who prefer a no-frills, reliable option. However, their limited rotation and lack of quick-detach features can be a downside for some users.
Quick Detach (QD) Sling Swivels
Quick Detach, or QD, sling swivels are becoming increasingly popular, especially among tactical and professional shooters. These swivels come with a push-button mechanism for quick and easy attachment and detachment.
Brands like Daniel Defense and Magpul are known for their high-quality QD sling swivels that often offer additional features like multiple rotation points and compatibility with various mounting systems like KeyMod, M-LOK, and Picatinny rail.
Loop Sling Swivels
These swivels have a loop design that allows for easy attachment of slings with hooks. While not as quick to detach as QD swivels, they offer a secure attachment and are generally easier to install. They are commonly used in shooting sports and are versatile enough to be used with a variety of sling types.
Swivel Studs
More common in hunting rifles and shotguns, swivel studs are permanent fixtures that you can attach a sling to. They are not as versatile as other types of swivels, but they offer a high level of stability. These are generally made of steel or aluminium and require gunsmith installation.
Integrated Swivel Systems
These are specialized systems where the swivel is integrated into the stock of the rifle or the rail system. While not as versatile as standalone swivels, they offer a streamlined look and can reduce the overall weight of your setup.
Specialized Swivels
These are niche products designed for specific applications or weapons. For instance, some swivels are designed with corrosion-resistant materials for maritime use, while others might be designed for ambidextrous use or for specific models like the AR-15 style rifle or CAR-15.
Whether you’re a tactical shooter, a hunter in the Midwestern United States, or a rock climbing enthusiast looking for versatile gear, understanding these types of sling swivels can make your experience more efficient and enjoyable. Choose wisely!
How does a QD sling swivel work?
Quick Detach (QD) sling swivels are designed for both convenience and security, offering a swift method to attach or detach a sling from your firearm.
The mechanism revolves around a push-button, usually positioned at the top of the swivel, which controls retractable, spring-loaded bearing pins. When you press this button, the pins retract, allowing you to insert the swivel into a specialized QD socket on your rifle or carbine.
After inserting the swivel into the socket, releasing the push-button causes the spring-loaded bearing pins to extend and lock into place, securing the swivel. This robust mechanism typically prevents accidental releases, making it a reliable choice for various shooting scenarios.
Many QD sling swivels also offer additional features such as rotation capabilities. For instance, some swivels allow for movement at multiple angles, enhancing comfort and maneuverability. Others may even have non-360° rotational locking interfaces that offer fixed positions for the swivel to lock into, eliminating the hassle of a twisting sling.
When it comes to detachment, the process is as simple as the attachment. Press the push-button again to retract the bearing pins and easily pull out the swivel from its socket.
The materials used in constructing these swivels often include high-strength steel or aircraft aluminum, finished with corrosion-resistant coatings to ensure durability and longevity.
Whether you are an experienced shooter or a beginner, understanding how a QD sling swivel works can greatly enhance your shooting experience, offering a combination of quick adjustments and secure attachment.
Conclusion
Quick Detach (QD) sling swivels bring a blend of reliability, speed, and functionality to the table, offering shooters a versatile and secure method for attaching slings to their firearms.
Their intuitive design is suited for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike. With features like rotation capabilities, quick detachment, and robust materials, they are well-equipped to meet the varying needs of shooting activities.
Investing time in understanding how these swivels work can greatly enhance your shooting experience, as they are an invaluable tool for quick adjustments and secure, convenient attachment.