Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun Review

First Thoughts on the Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun aims to offer a blend of functionality and classic styling at an incredibly accessible price point. This sling combines a durable webbing core wrapped in a practical paracord sheath, promising both comfort and potential utility in survival situations. Outdoor Connection clearly targets budget-conscious shooters and hunters looking for a reliable sling without breaking the bank.

As someone who has spent over a decade equipping others for demanding outdoor scenarios, I’m always searching for gear that offers a solid balance of performance and affordability. My current issue was finding a sling that was both comfortable for long carries in the field and had a bit of an emergency preparedness angle without being too bulky or expensive. The paracord wrapping immediately caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, the Outdoor Connection Express Sling feels surprisingly robust, especially considering its price. The coyote brown paracord gives it a classic, tactical look, and the black strap webbing underneath seems sturdy. Initial handling reveals a sling that is lightweight and simple.

I considered the Viking Tactics VTAC Wide Padded Sling for its comfort but it’s significantly more expensive and lacks the paracord element. Also, the Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling Gen2 offered similar adjustability, but again, at a higher price point and without the added paracord. I picked the Outdoor Connection Express Sling for its promising value proposition: a functional sling with a survival edge, all at a very reasonable cost.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I appreciated the simple, no-nonsense design, and the paracord wrap hinted at a degree of resilience I hope will hold up in real-world use. I’m eager to see how it performs under load and in varied conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Outdoor Connection Express Sling involved a day at the shooting range and a short scouting hike in the local foothills. The sling was fitted to my AR-15, a common platform for evaluating sling performance. The weather was dry and relatively mild.

The sling proved easy to adjust, allowing for a comfortable carry both across the chest and over the shoulder. I appreciated the quick adjustability afforded by the tri-glide when transitioning between carrying and shouldering the rifle. No issues or immediate surprises arose during this first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a weekend hunting trip and numerous range sessions, the Outdoor Connection Express Sling continues to perform adequately. While the paracord wrapping hasn’t frayed significantly, there are some minor signs of wear where it rubs against the rifle’s hardware. Durability is adequate but not exceptional.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime. Compared to my higher-end slings with advanced padding, the Outdoor Connection Express Sling offers less comfort during extended carries. It meets my basic needs for field carry, though I wish it had more robust padding.

Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun

Specifications

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun features a 1-inch wide black webbing strap wrapped in coyote brown paracord. The maximum adjustable length is 46 inches. It includes Brute EZ-Detachable swivels for easy attachment and removal from your firearm.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the sling’s comfort, adjustability, and compatibility with different firearms. The 1-inch width is a standard, balancing comfort and weight. The adjustable length allows for customization for different body types and carrying preferences. The paracord provides a degree of utility in survival situations, offering a readily available source of strong cordage.

Performance & Functionality

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling performs its primary function of carrying a rifle or shotgun adequately. The quick adjustability is a definite plus, allowing for smooth transitions between different carry positions. However, the lack of padding can become noticeable during longer periods.

The sling’s strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and the added value of the paracord wrapping. Its weakness is the lack of substantial padding for enhanced comfort. It mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly sling.

Design & Ergonomics

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling is designed for simplicity and functionality. The combination of black webbing and coyote brown paracord provides a classic, tactical aesthetic. Build quality is acceptable for the price point.

The sling is user-friendly, with a simple tri-glide for easy length adjustments. There is no significant learning curve. The swivels are robust and easy to detach.

Durability & Maintenance

The sling’s durability appears adequate for light to moderate use. The paracord may show wear over time, especially with heavy use. Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient.

The underlying webbing strap seems durable. The swivels appear robust and should last a reasonable amount of time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling comes with integrated Brute EZ-Detachable swivels. There are no included accessories beyond this. The sling’s design is relatively basic.

The swivels are compatible with most standard swivel studs on rifles and shotguns. There are no specific customization options beyond adjusting the sling’s length.

Pros and Cons of Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun

Who Should Buy Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun?

This sling is perfect for budget-conscious hunters, recreational shooters, and preppers looking for a functional and affordable sling with a potential survival edge. It’s also suitable for anyone who appreciates simple, no-frills gear.

Individuals prioritizing maximum comfort and durability, or those engaging in extended backcountry hunts, should skip this product. A padded sling with more robust construction would be more suitable for these demanding scenarios.

A set of quick-detach sling swivels might be useful for those who frequently switch slings between firearms. Otherwise, the sling is ready to use out of the box.

Conclusion on Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun

The Outdoor Connection Express Sling 1″ W x 46″ L Adjustable Coyote Brown w/Black Strap Paracord for Rifle/Shotgun provides excellent value for its price. It delivers basic functionality and the potential survival utility of paracord at a fraction of the cost of higher-end slings. It’s a solid, if not spectacular, option.

The price is absolutely justified for what you get. It is a great option for beginners and those who want a budget-friendly sling.

I would recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable and functional sling for light to moderate use. It’s a reliable piece of kit that will get the job done without breaking the bank. If you need a sling that’s affordable, functional, and offers a bit of extra survival preparedness, then give the Outdoor Connection Express Sling a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.