REVIEW: VTAC Padded Sling

The Padded Sling from Viking Tactics is already a true classic. For those who have not had the opportunity to test the sling, we have taken a long overdue look at this system. The principle of the VTAC Sling was adopted from shooting instructor Kyle E. Lamb (pictured above) from the American SOF forces, where it was common practice decades ago to have shooting slings made from parts of old ALICE backpacks by the unit's rigger.

In its basic form, the VTAC Sling is a two-point carrying strap with a metal device that allows the user to quickly adjust the strap to fit and tighten it as needed. The basic setting of the sling is made at the front and back using two plastic stops, where the user should spend some time to choose the right setting. The sling is then attached to the shoulder stock and handguard.

The user then places the sling on their dominant side over their neck and lets it run under the arm of their supporting hand. The gun should now be freely movable, allowing for a supported stance through the sling. The problem with conventional slings is that once the shooter needs both hands, the gun swings freely and hinders them in their activities.

With the VTAC Sling, the remaining end of the strap on the side connected to the barrel passes through a ratchet. By pulling on the excess length, it is possible to tighten the sling and then fix the gun to the front or side of the upper body.

This principle can also be applied to carrying the gun on the back, where the shooter now has the ability to kneel without dirtying the gun barrel. Pulling on the paracord attached to the ratchet will release the sling, allowing the user to immediately return to the stance.

Of course, the sling can also be used as a shooting strap. To do this, tighten the sling slightly in the stance. We highly recommend taking shooting courses from specialist author and instructor Oliver Falk at Viking Tactics Germany, where many different shooting techniques and uses of the VTAC Sling are taught, which would go beyond the scope of this review.

To prevent any excess length of the sling from bothering smaller users, the strap offers the option to store it with a Velcro strap attached to the end.

The VTAC Sling is available in a padded and unpadded version. While individual taste also plays a role, the padding provides a good reference point for handling the strap "blindly."

CONCLUSION: Yes, One Point Slings may be more convenient at first and require less attention to the strap itself. However, the VTAC Sling allows for safer handling of the gun and simplifies many processes. We encourage anyone who has not tested this system yet to simply give it a try. There are many imitations among the slings, but the VTAC Sling remains the original.

You can get the VTAC Sling in Germany at VTAC Germany: the VTAC Original Rifle Sling MK1 for 44.95 euros, the VTAC padded Rifle Sling MK2 for 54.95 euros. There is also the VTAC Wide Padded Sling (Upgraded). In Austria, the 5.11 VTAC 2 Point Sling is available at BLACK SHADOW for 39.95 euros.

A video speaks more than 1,000 words: Kyle Lamb explains a sling.