Let’s Dive into Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling aims to provide a comfortable and versatile carrying solution for the iconic FN FAL rifle, facilitating smooth transitions and offering an ambidextrous design. Marketed as a robust and reliable sling featuring an emergency release buckle and rapid adjustment capabilities, it intends to be a significant upgrade for FAL owners needing a tactical edge.
My introduction to this sling was born out of necessity. I’ve been running my FAL in some local tactical rifle matches, and the old leather sling just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I needed something modern, adaptable, and frankly, a bit quicker to adjust on the fly.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The materials seemed decent enough at first glance, but the stitching and overall finish lacked the refinement I’ve come to expect from Specter Gear, a brand I usually associate with quality tactical gear. It felt lighter than I anticipated, which could be a good or bad thing depending on its durability.
Compared to my VTAC sling, which I use on my AR-15, the Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling felt less substantial. I also considered a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling, known for its simplicity and bombproof construction, but the Specter Gear promised features like the emergency release buckle that caught my attention. Ultimately, the lower price point influenced my decision, hoping I could get similar functionality without breaking the bank.
My first impression wasn’t excitement, but rather cautious optimism. It looked the part, but I needed to put it through its paces to see if it lived up to the tactical designation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling at an outdoor shooting range during a carbine course. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, and the range offered a variety of shooting positions and scenarios. I ran drills involving transitioning between standing, kneeling, and prone positions, as well as practicing quick magazine changes.
The sling performed adequately in dry conditions, allowing me to keep the rifle secure while transitioning. However, the adjustment buckle proved difficult to manipulate quickly while under pressure, a crucial element for tactical applications. I also noticed the webbing started to fray slightly where it connected to the FAL’s sling swivels.
The ease of use was not immediate; the rapid-adjust cam buckle required more force than expected, hindering smooth adjustments. Additionally, the length of the sling felt excessive, even after attempting adjustments, leaving extra material dangling, which became a snag hazard. The advertised Emergency Release Buckle (ERB) also felt stiff, requiring significant effort to activate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of use, the Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling showed noticeable wear and tear. The stitching around the sling swivels began to loosen further, raising concerns about its long-term reliability. The adjustment buckle became even stiffer, requiring two hands to operate, defeating the purpose of rapid adjustment.
The durability proved to be a significant drawback. The fraying increased, and the black finish on the metal hardware started to wear off, revealing a silver-colored base metal. The Emergency Release Buckle (ERB), despite its “over-engineered” design, remained difficult to use and did not inspire confidence in its functionality.
Maintenance involved simply wiping the sling down with a damp cloth, but the fraying material concerned me. Compared to my well-worn VTAC sling, which has endured years of abuse and still functions flawlessly, the Specter Gear sling was a disappointment. It did not outperform my expectations; rather, it fell short in terms of durability and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling
Specifications
- The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling is designed specifically for the FN FAL rifle. This ensures compatibility with the rifle’s sling mounting points.
- It utilizes 1-inch wide webbing for the main adjuster strap. This is constructed from Mil-W-43668 heavy-duty webbing.
- The sling features a steel rapid-adjust cam buckle for quick length adjustments. This allows for varying the amount of slack in the sling.
- An Emergency Release Buckle (ERB) is included. This provides the ability to completely detach the sling from the body in emergency situations.
- The sling is designed to be ambidextrous. This allows for use by both left and right-handed shooters.
- The shoulder area features a 1.5-inch wide webbing. This is intended to distribute the weight of the rifle more comfortably.
These specifications are intended to deliver a sling that is durable, adjustable, and safe to use. The quality of the materials and the effectiveness of the design are crucial for performance in tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling functions as a weapon carrying device, but its performance falls short of expectations. The intended rapid adjustment is hindered by a stiff buckle, and the Emergency Release Buckle requires excessive force to activate.
The sling’s primary weakness lies in its adjustability and durability. The stiff buckle makes on-the-fly adjustments difficult, and the fraying webbing raises concerns about its long-term reliability. It does not fully meet expectations for a tactical sling designed for demanding environments.
Its strength is potentially its ambidextrous design. This caters to a wider range of users.
Design & Ergonomics
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling features a relatively simple design, mimicking the layout of other popular two-point slings. The use of 1.5-inch webbing in the shoulder area is intended to improve comfort, but the overall feel is somewhat bulky and lacks refinement.
The build quality is a significant concern. The materials appear decent at first glance, but the stitching and finish are subpar. There is a learning curve associated with the adjustment buckle due to its stiffness, making it less user-friendly than other slings I’ve used.
Durability & Maintenance
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling’s longevity is questionable. The fraying webbing and loosening stitching suggest it will not withstand heavy use over an extended period.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. However, the underlying durability issues cannot be addressed through simple maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling does not come with any included accessories beyond the sling itself. It uses webbing loops for attachment to the FN FAL’s sling swivels.
There are limited customization options available for this sling. Users could potentially add padding to the shoulder strap or replace the sling swivels, but the core design is fixed. It is generally compatible with standard sling swivels, but any significant modifications would likely void any potential warranty.
Pros and Cons of Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Ambidextrous design.
- Emergency Release Buckle (ERB) offers a potential safety feature.
- Relatively lightweight.
- 1.5-inch shoulder webbing for somewhat improved comfort.
Cons
- Stiff and difficult-to-adjust buckle.
- Questionable durability with fraying webbing.
- Emergency Release Buckle (ERB) requires excessive force to activate.
Who Should Buy Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling?
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling is perfect for recreational shooters on a tight budget who need a basic sling for their FN FAL. It could also serve as a temporary solution while waiting for a higher-quality sling.
Individuals who should skip this product include tactical shooters, law enforcement personnel, or anyone requiring a durable and reliable sling for demanding environments. The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling is not suitable for heavy use or situations where rapid adjustments and dependable performance are critical.
A must-have modification would be replacing the adjustment buckle with a smoother, more reliable alternative. Regularly inspecting the webbing and stitching for signs of wear is also essential.
Conclusion on Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling
The Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling offers a budget-friendly option for FN FAL owners needing a basic sling. However, its shortcomings in durability and ease of use detract significantly from its overall value.
The price is indeed justified for what you get. However, the potential need for immediate upgrades or replacements ultimately diminishes any initial savings.
I would not personally recommend the Specter Gear FN FAL 2 Point Tactical Sling for serious tactical applications. It simply lacks the robustness and refinement needed for demanding environments. If you are serious about your gear and need a reliable sling, invest in a higher-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. While it appears to be a great entry-level choice and offers a budget friendly price, I would recommend saving your money and getting something more durable and reliable for your FN FAL platform.