Looking for a versatile and very well-made sling for your rifle? Consider Savvy Sniper’s different offerings. Their FDE U.S.M.C. is current Marine Corps issue. The sling is simplistic, quick detach and full of great features unique to Savvy's design.
March 23, 2022
By Michelle P. Hamilton, Field Editor
In a world with an overabundance of slings from "Wal-Mart specials" to premium tier equipment, two sling companies stand out for modern sporting rifles. These companies are Blue Force Gear and their Vickers offering and Savvy Sniper. Savvy Sniper is an Ohio-based company that offers premium gear, including custom order slings. While many companies offer a "one-size fits all", off-the-rack sling, Savvy will tailor one to your personal needs. This all started when Brian Alford, a 24+ year veteran of law enforcement and SWAT team member became somewhat disappointed in (at that time) the current market for gear. He began sewing and creating his own slings for personal use. His friends and colleagues began noticing the robust nature of his creations and began requesting his work; this was the creation of Savvy Sniper slings. Savvy Sniper products are handcrafted and sewn in the United States (Ohio to be exact) and are in current use by the U.S. Marine Corps, with their M4 Carbines.
Note the robust nature of the construction on this sling. It is no wonder they won a contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. Also note the simple to follow instructions and information card. I will be covering both the U.S.M.C. M4 sling, as well as Savvy Sniper's QUAD Q.D. sling system and find both not only well made, but highly innovative. The U.S.M.C. 2-point sling is simple, straight-forward and incredibly well-made. The stitching is heavy and clean, with no uneven or any overstitching. No frayed ends, or frayed threads exist anywhere on either of the samples sent, I am overly pleased with the initial craftsmanship and attention to detail. This sling was a replacement to my Blue Force Tactical Vickers sling currently placed on my M4A1 Carbine clone. Being a U.S.M.C. clone, the Savvy Sniper was the ultimate finishing touch, but my expectations of the product far exceed a simple "proper accessory" for a clone build.
The extremely versatile Savvy Sniper QUAD Q.D. sling system. This system has the ability to quickly transition between the popular single-point sling, to a two-point sling. While straightforward, the simplicity of the sling makes for exceptional ease of use. The Savvy Sniper U.S.M.C. offers a quick detach option, for those who may need to release it quickly. This could be useful for those who are injured in combat, the less movement for the injured party the better. I found this to be a nice and well-thought-out addition. I also like the Savvy Sniper exclusive quick retention adjustment on the sling. This allows you to quickly cinch the sling down or loosen it, with one hand, as the situation requires. While offering the same principle as other popular, quality slings, Savvy went with a much easier to use and faster "rip cord" style sling adjustment. This will likely be much more familiar for military personnel, but also a more practical design. I personally favor the U.S.M.C. sling design over the QUAD Q.D., as it is a lighter and simpler design for several applications.
Note the quick release system, allowing the user to quickly release the sling from the rifle. Also note the push button quick detach sling swivel that feeds into the unique attachment point on the sling. The QUAD Q.D. is likely one of the most, if not the most innovative sling I've used to date. This design brings the "rip cord" style quick retention adjustment found on the U.S.M.C., but brought about a hybrid single-point and two-point sling design. This utilizes the popular and universal push button, quick detach sling swivels (with H&K style hook attachments also available) and also features an attachment point on the sling itself.
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A detailed look at the QUAD Q.D. single point attachment interface, note the multiple points in which the bearings can snap into place. Also note the smooth finish on the metal. This attachment point allows the rifleman to instantly switch his sling configuration from a two-point to a single-point, and back again. Doing so takes only seconds. For certain situations a two-point sling is to be preferred, while in other situations a single-point sling is the much better option. The QUAD Q.D. sling instantly transforms into either configuration, no tools or fuss required. The hardware on the sling is extremely robust, giving the user a rugged and near failsafe design. You will also note this model has a bungee built into the sling body, so it has some ‘give’. The metal parts are nicely finished and built for punishment, in any environment that can be thrown at it.
To swap from a two-point to a single-point you simply disconnect the front QD sling mount from the rifle and snap it into place onto the sling as seen here. While both slings receive top marks from me in about every category, I will state again that I do like the U.S.M.C. design better overall. The QUAD, while great, is a bit on the heavy side and does take some learning, as it is slightly more complex than any other two-point sling I've used. While it is quickly learned and can be manipulated quickly, the weight is something that could be a potential issue for some. While the QUAD is shown on a .308 AR Carbine, it will likely find its way quickly to my FNH PS90 or similar firearm.
The QUAD Q.D. rigged as a two-point rifle sling. This is placed on a 16-inch .308 AR-10 Carbine for size comparison, but will likely see its permanent home on my FNH PS90. If I were recommending Savvy Sniper products, I would likely make the suggestion of the U.S.M.C. design for general purpose use on defensive carbines and rifles. It would be a perfect fit for this application and works well across-the-board. The QUAD Q.D. I would likely reserve for submachine guns or Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) use, as the adaptability of this sling can fit so many more roles, especially for those entering or exiting vehicles, buildings, in tight spaces or awkward areas.
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In use the Savvy Sniper slings performed very well, proved comfortable and quick to adjust. Both models are very well-made from high-quality materials. All in all, I find them to be a top quality, highly adaptable, tough and well-made product. Once in hand, one will easily note the pride that Mr. Alford takes with his products. For future rifle projects I will highly consider Savvy Sniper slings. I find them an exceptional product, priced right while being American made.
If you have any thoughts or comments on this article, we’d love to hear them. Email us at FirearmsNews@Outdoorsg.com .
About the Author: Michelle Hamilton has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security, is a serious student of wound ballistics, military history, small arms design and manufacturing and is a competitive shooter.
