First Thoughts on the Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black
The Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black immediately strikes me as a serious piece of kit designed for the discerning user. Shield Arms, a company known for its innovative approach to firearms accessories, aims to deliver a superior sling with features honed by real-world experience. This sling promises a blend of durability, adjustability, and thoughtful design.
My search for the ideal sling has been a long one. I needed something that could handle the weight of a fully-loaded rifle during long patrols, while offering quick and intuitive adjustments. I’ve dealt with slings that slip, chafe, or just plain fall apart under pressure.
The Shield Arms Partisan Sling’s initial feel is impressive: the Cordura Nylon feels robust, and the hardware seems overbuilt in the best way possible. Compared to a basic mil-spec sling or even some of the more tactical-branded slings I’ve used, like the Magpul MS4, the Partisan Sling appears to offer a more refined, deliberate design. I chose it over the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling and the VTAC Viking Tactics Sling for its unique two-stage progressive tension and easy index thumb loop.
My first impression is one of cautious optimism. If the Shield Arms Partisan Sling lives up to its promise in the field, it could become my new go-to sling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first serious test for the Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black was a three-day backcountry hog hunt in central Texas. The terrain was thick with brush, and the weather ranged from dry and dusty to a brief but intense thunderstorm. I needed a sling that wouldn’t become a liability while navigating dense cover with my AR-15.
The sling performed admirably in these varied conditions. The quick-adjust system allowed me to instantly shorten the sling when climbing over fences or maneuvering through thickets. No slipping or binding occurred, even when soaked by the rain.
The most pleasant surprise was the comfort. Even after hours of carrying my rifle, the abrasion resistant shoulder sheath prevented any significant chafing or hot spots. I didn’t need any time to get used to it; the adjustments were intuitive, and the sling felt natural from the start.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Shield Arms Partisan Sling continues to impress. I’ve used it on numerous range trips, a carbine course, and even during some impromptu land navigation exercises. The sling shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
The Cordura Nylon remains durable, with no fraying or loose stitching. Cleaning is simple, a quick scrub with some mild soap and water gets the dust and grime right off. This is a significant improvement over some of my previous slings, which required specialized cleaning products and still seemed to retain the dirt.
The Shield Arms Partisan Sling is a significant upgrade over my previous sling, a standard nylon sling I had been using. The superior adjustability, comfort, and overall build quality make it a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black
Specifications
The Shield Arms Partisan Sling is a two-point adjustable sling designed for rifles and other long guns. It is available in black.
The sling is constructed from durable Cordura Nylon. This material offers excellent abrasion resistance and long-term durability.
It features a two-stage progressive tension system. This allows for both quick adjustments and a more secure, locked-in carry.
The sling incorporates a quick adjust system with an easy index thumb loop. This facilitates rapid length adjustments, even with gloved hands.
A solid lock bi-directional adjustment ensures the sling stays in place once adjusted. This prevents unwanted slippage during movement.
Redundant hardware ensures that the sling remains functional even if one component fails. This feature enhances the sling’s reliability in demanding situations.
The abrasion resistant shoulder sheath provides added comfort and reduces chafing during extended use. This is crucial for long days in the field.
The two-stage progressive tension system is a standout feature. This allows for quick loosening for maneuverability, but the sling also tightens securely when you need to stabilize your rifle. The use of Cordura Nylon is critical; this material is known for its strength and resistance to tearing, ensuring the sling can withstand harsh conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black excels at its primary job: securely and comfortably carrying a rifle. The quick-adjust system is intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves on. Adjustments can be made on the fly, allowing for rapid transitions between different carry positions.
One minor weakness is that the thumb loop can sometimes get caught on gear. The benefits of the loop outweigh this small inconvenience. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-quality tactical sling.
Design & Ergonomics
The Partisan Sling boasts excellent build quality. The materials feel premium, and the stitching is clean and robust. The weight is negligible.
The sling is comfortable against the body and is intuitive to use. Minimal learning curve is required.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cordura Nylon construction suggests that this sling will last for years, even with heavy use. Cleaning is straightforward. Simple soap and water is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shield Arms Partisan Sling does not come with any additional accessories. The sling is designed to be compatible with most standard sling mounting hardware.
While there are no dedicated customization options offered by Shield Arms, users can easily attach various quick-detach (QD) sling swivels or other hardware to suit their specific needs. The Cordura Nylon webbing accepts a wide range of aftermarket accessories without issue.
Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black
Pros
- Two-Stage Progressive Tension: Allows for both rapid adjustments and a secure, locked-in carry. This provides versatility in different situations.
Cons
- Thumb loop can sometimes get snagged on gear.
Quick Adjust System with Thumb Loop: Enables rapid length adjustments, even with gloved hands. This ensures ease of use in dynamic environments.
Cordura Nylon Construction: Ensures exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion. This guarantees long-term reliability even with heavy use.
Abrasion Resistant Shoulder Sheath: Enhances comfort and reduces chafing during extended periods of use. This is crucial for preventing discomfort on long patrols or range sessions.
Easy to Clean and Maintain: Simplifies maintenance, ensuring the sling remains in optimal condition with minimal effort.
The $79.99 price point might be higher than some budget-conscious users are willing to spend.
Who Should Buy Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black?
The Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and serious hunters who demand a reliable and adjustable sling. Anyone who carries a rifle for extended periods will appreciate the comfort and durability. This is also suitable for competitive shooters.
Budget-conscious buyers who are willing to sacrifice advanced features for a lower price should skip this product. Those who only occasionally use a sling might find a simpler, less expensive option sufficient.
Must-have accessories include quality QD sling swivels for flexible attachment options.
Conclusion on Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black
The Shield Arms Partisan Nylon Adjustable Two-Point Sling Black is a well-designed, durable, and highly functional sling that delivers on its promises. The two-stage progressive tension, quick adjust system, and Cordura Nylon construction make it a standout product in a crowded market.
The price of $79.99 is justified by the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and overall performance. It’s an investment in comfort, reliability, and peace of mind.
I would absolutely recommend the Shield Arms Partisan Sling to anyone looking for a premium two-point sling. It’s a noticeable upgrade over standard slings. Ditch that old, uncomfortable sling and experience the difference a quality piece of gear can make!