The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel Made a Bold First Impression
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel promises a simple, yet vital role: securely attaching a sling to your firearm. It’s a blackened stainless steel, industry-standard sized (1 inch) push-button sling swivel from Troy Industries. For someone like me, constantly tweaking my gear setups for optimal performance, a reliable swivel is non-negotiable.
What drove me to the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel was frustration. Cheaper swivels had failed me in the past, either binding up or outright breaking at inopportune times, leaving my rifle unsecured. I needed a dependable solution, something that wouldn’t let me down in a demanding situation.
Out of the package, the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel felt substantial. The blackened stainless steel gave it a robust, no-nonsense look, and the push-button mechanism clicked with a satisfying assurance. The weight felt right, not flimsy like some of the pot-metal swivels I’d encountered, but not overly heavy either.
I considered options from Magpul and Blue Force Gear. Magpul’s polymer options felt less durable for heavier rifles, and while Blue Force Gear makes excellent gear, the Troy swivel’s price point and straightforward design won me over. My initial excitement stemmed from the apparent quality; it seemed like a swivel built to last.
Real-World Testing: Putting Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel on my AR-15 during a three-day carbine course. This put the swivel through its paces with constant transitions, sling adjustments, and general handling under simulated stress. The weather was mixed, with sunshine, light rain, and dusty conditions throughout the course.
The swivel performed flawlessly. The push-button was easy to actuate, even with gloved hands, allowing for quick detachment and reattachment of the sling. I experienced no binding or sticking, and the swivel rotated smoothly, preventing sling twist.
No issues arose during that initial carbine course. The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel performed exactly as expected, providing a secure and reliable sling attachment point. It was a positive first impression, validating my initial assessment of its build quality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips, a hunting excursion, and even some impromptu backyard drills, the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel continues to impress. It has become a permanent fixture on my primary rifle. There are no signs of wear or tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches on the black finish.
The stainless steel construction has proven its worth. The swivel hasn’t shown any signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to sweat, rain, and cleaning solvents. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep it functioning smoothly.
Compared to previous, less expensive swivels, the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel is in a different league. It inspires confidence and removes a potential point of failure from my gear. It has completely outperformed my expectations, especially considering its relatively low price.
Breaking Down the Features of Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel
Specifications
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel features blackened stainless steel construction for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. It’s designed with an industry-standard 1-inch loop, compatible with most slings on the market. The push-button mechanism allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment.
The 1-inch loop is crucial for compatibility, ensuring it works with the vast majority of slings. The stainless steel construction directly translates to longevity and reliability, especially in harsh environments. The push-button mechanism facilitates rapid sling adjustments and weapon manipulations.
Performance & Functionality
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel excels in its primary function: providing a secure and easily accessible sling attachment point. Its smooth rotation prevents sling twist, enhancing comfort and weapon control. It is reliable and functions exactly as intended.
The swivel’s main strength is its simplicity and robust design. It just works. A potential weakness could be the black finish wearing off over time, although this is purely cosmetic. It absolutely meets my expectations for a quality sling swivel.
Design & Ergonomics
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel is designed for functionality above all else. The stainless steel construction provides excellent durability and the black finish gives it a tactical aesthetic. Its compact size and rounded edges minimize snagging.
The swivel is incredibly user-friendly. The push-button is easily accessible and requires minimal force to actuate. No learning curve is necessary; it integrates seamlessly into any sling setup.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests a long lifespan. With minimal care, the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel should last for years, even under heavy use. The simple design makes it easy to inspect and clean.
The swivel requires very little maintenance. A quick wipe down with a cloth to remove dirt and grime is sufficient. Its stainless steel construction resists corrosion, simplifying long-term care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel doesn’t come with any included accessories, as it is a self-contained component. It’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of sling mounting options, including rails, receivers, and stocks with Q.D. (Quick Detach) sockets. This compatibility is a significant advantage.
The swivel is universally compatible with any firearm that accepts industry-standard Q.D. sling swivels. It integrates seamlessly with slings from various brands, offering versatility in gear selection.
Pros and Cons of Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Smooth rotation prevents sling twist and enhances comfort.
- Easy-to-use push-button allows for quick sling detachment and reattachment.
- Industry-standard size guarantees compatibility with most slings and mounting options.
- Relatively inexpensive offering excellent value for the quality.
Cons
- Black finish may show wear over time (cosmetic only).
- It is only available in one size (1 inch).
Who Should Buy Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel?
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel is perfect for anyone who relies on their firearm and needs a secure and reliable sling attachment point. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, hunters, competitive shooters, and serious recreational shooters. Anyone looking to upgrade from cheaper, less durable swivels will appreciate the Troy’s robust construction and smooth operation.
Someone focused solely on weight savings might prefer a polymer option, although they’d sacrifice durability. Budget-conscious buyers willing to risk reliability might opt for a cheaper, no-name swivel.
A must-have addition is a high-quality sling compatible with Q.D. swivels. Depending on your firearm, you might also need a Q.D. sling mount.
Conclusion on Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel
The Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel is a simple but essential piece of gear. Its robust construction, smooth operation, and easy-to-use design make it a standout performer. The price is more than justified by its quality and reliability.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Troy Black S.S. Q.D. Swivel to anyone seeking a dependable sling attachment solution. Don’t compromise on this critical component; invest in quality and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your rifle is securely slung. Upgrade your gear today and experience the difference a quality swivel makes.