The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black Made a Bold First Impression
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is a simple, no-frills piece of gear designed to address a fundamental need: carrying extra shotgun shells and providing a more comfortable way to shoulder a shotgun. This isn’t a high-end, meticulously crafted item, but rather a practical solution from NcStar that promises functionality at an accessible price point. Its dual-purpose design as both a sling and a bandolier immediately caught my attention.
As someone who spends considerable time in the field, whether hunting upland game or participating in tactical shooting drills, I’ve always sought a better way to manage shotgun ammunition. Traditional shell carriers are often bulky and uncomfortable, while simply stuffing shells into pockets is inefficient and potentially dangerous. The promise of having 15 rounds readily accessible while simultaneously improving shotgun handling was enticing.
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black arrived in a simple plastic bag, reflecting its budget-friendly nature. My initial impression was that it was well-constructed for the price, though the PVC material felt somewhat stiff out of the package. The elastic shell loops seemed secure, and the included swivels were a welcome addition.
I considered a few similar products before settling on this one, including shell carriers from Blackhawk! and Condor Outdoor. These alternatives offered potentially higher-quality materials and more advanced features, but they also came with a significantly higher price tag. Ultimately, I chose the NcStar offering because it appeared to offer the best balance of functionality and affordability.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black didn’t scream “high-end,” but it seemed robust enough for my intended use. The real test would be how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black was at a local sporting clays range. I wanted to assess its comfort and functionality during a typical shooting session. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The bandolier aspect of the sling proved immediately useful. Loading the 15 shell loops was straightforward, and the elastic held the shells securely even during rapid movement. Using the included sling swivels, I attached the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black to my Remington 870. The 2″ wide nylon strap distributed the shotgun’s weight fairly well, and the padded sections did offer a noticeable improvement in comfort. However, I did find that the sling tended to slip a bit on my shoulder after several shots.
The only real issue I encountered during this initial test was the hook and loop fastener that secures the removable padded cover. It occasionally came loose, exposing the shells. This was easily remedied, but it was a minor annoyance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black has proven to be surprisingly durable for its price point. I’ve used it on multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions, including light rain and cold temperatures. The PVC material has held up well, showing no signs of tearing or fraying.
The elastic shell loops have maintained their elasticity and continue to hold shells securely. I’ve noticed some slight fading of the black color, but this is purely cosmetic. The sling itself has become more comfortable as the material has broken in.
Maintaining the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I haven’t needed to use any specialized cleaning products. Compared to more expensive shell carriers I’ve used in the past, the NcStar sling offers comparable performance in terms of shell retention and durability, at a fraction of the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black
Specifications
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is designed with practical functionality in mind, reflected in its straightforward specifications:
- Holds 15 each 2″ & 3″ Shotshells in Elastic bands: This is the core functionality, providing ample capacity for most hunting or shooting scenarios. The compatibility with both 2″ and 3″ shells adds versatility.
- The Shotgun Sling has a removable Padded Cover that secures and protects the Shotshells in the elastic loops: This padded cover is a nice touch, offering added protection to the shells and preventing them from snagging on brush or clothing.
- Removable Padded Cover attaches to Sling via hook and loop fasteners: The hook and loop fasteners allow for easy removal and cleaning of the padded cover. However, as mentioned earlier, the hook and loop could be stronger.
- Barrel end of sling has an Elastic band section to absorb the shock when walking with the shotgun shouldered: This elastic section provides a degree of shock absorption, reducing fatigue when carrying the shotgun for extended periods.
- Includes a pair of 1″ Sling Swivels to attached to sling studs on your shotgun or the sling will attach directly to the sling loops on your shotgun: The inclusion of sling swivels is a great value add, ensuring compatibility with most shotguns.
Other specifications include:
- Color: Black
- Origin: China
- Material: PVC
- Dimensions: 44.0 x 3.0 x 1.0 inches
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
These specifications contribute directly to the sling’s performance and user experience. The shell capacity ensures you have enough ammunition readily available. The padded cover and elastic section enhance comfort, and the included swivels simplify installation.
Performance & Functionality
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black performs its primary function – carrying shotgun shells and providing a sling – adequately. The elastic loops hold shells securely, and the sling distributes weight reasonably well. However, it’s not without its shortcomings. The sling can slip on the shoulder, and the hook and loop fastener on the padded cover could be more robust.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and adequate shell capacity. The weaknesses are the somewhat basic materials and the aforementioned slippage issues. Overall, it meets expectations for a product in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The materials used, primarily PVC and elastic, are durable enough for most applications, but they don’t offer the premium feel of higher-end slings. The 2″ wide nylon strap is comfortable enough for moderate use.
There’s minimal learning curve with the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black. Installation is straightforward, and using it is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The PVC material appears reasonably durable and should last for several seasons of moderate use. The elastic loops may eventually lose their elasticity, but replacements are readily available.
Maintaining the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black comes with a pair of 1″ sling swivels. There are no other customization options.
The sling is compatible with any shotgun that has sling studs or loops. You can also purchase aftermarket sling swivels for greater versatility.
Pros and Cons of NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Holds 15 shells, providing ample ammunition for most hunting or shooting scenarios.
- Includes sling swivels, simplifying installation.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- The elastic band section at the barrel end of sling helps absorb shock when walking with the shotgun shouldered.
Cons
- The hook and loop fastener on the padded cover could be stronger.
- PVC material feels somewhat basic compared to higher-end slings.
- The sling can slip on the shoulder, requiring occasional adjustment.
Who Should Buy NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black?
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and those looking for an affordable and functional way to carry extra shotgun shells. It’s also a good option for beginners who are just starting out and don’t want to invest in expensive gear.
Those who prioritize premium materials, advanced features, and a more secure fit should skip this product. Competitive shooters or tactical users who demand top-tier performance may also find it lacking.
A must-have modification would be to add a non-slip pad to the sling to prevent it from sliding off the shoulder.
Conclusion on NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black
The NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is a solid, budget-friendly option for anyone needing to carry extra shotgun shells and improve shotgun handling. It’s not perfect, but it delivers on its core promise of functionality at an affordable price.
At $12.49, the price is definitely justified. It’s a great value for the money.
I would personally recommend it to anyone on a budget or looking for a simple, no-frills solution. If you need a reliable and inexpensive way to carry your shotgun and ammunition, the NcStar Shotgun Bandolier/Sling w/Swivels Black is definitely worth considering. Give it a try – you might be surprised by how well it performs for the price!