TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 Review

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 Made a Bold First Impression

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 represents a deceptively simple, yet potentially crucial component for any firearm setup utilizing a sling. These swivels, manufactured by an unnamed manufacturer, aim to provide a secure and versatile sling attachment point. The promise of all-metal construction, a locking mechanism, and a budget-friendly price point immediately piqued my interest.

I was searching for a more robust and reliable sling attachment solution for my AR-15. The plastic swivels I was previously using felt flimsy and prone to failure, especially during rigorous training exercises. I needed something I could trust to withstand the constant stress of transitioning, maneuvering in tight spaces, and potentially even field repairs if needed.

Upon unboxing, the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 presented a solid first impression. The black oxide finish gave them a rugged, no-nonsense look. The all-metal construction felt reassuringly durable in my hands.

I considered options like the Magpul QD Sling Swivel and the Blue Force Gear Universal Wire Loop. These are both reputable brands known for quality, but they come at a significantly higher price. The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 offered a seemingly comparable feature set at a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive option for a budget-conscious shooter like myself.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The price was undeniably appealing, but I remained skeptical about long-term durability and the effectiveness of the screw-down locking system. Time, and more importantly, rigorous testing, would reveal if the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 could truly deliver on its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 to the Test

First Use Experience

I immediately installed the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 on my AR-15 and took it to my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for a Texas summer – hot and dusty. I ran several drills involving transitioning between targets, practicing sling-supported shooting positions, and simulating various tactical scenarios.

The swivels performed adequately during initial use. The 1″ sling loop provided ample room for my sling webbing. I did, however, find the screw-down locking system a little cumbersome to tighten and loosen, especially with gloved hands.

After about an hour of intense use, I noticed the screw on one of the swivels starting to loosen. This required me to stop and re-tighten it, which was a minor inconvenience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple range trips and a weekend-long tactical training course, the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 showed some concerning signs of wear and tear. The black oxide finish began to wear off in high-friction areas, revealing the base metal underneath. More importantly, the screws on both swivels continued to loosen frequently.

Durability is a major concern. I can foresee the threads on the screws stripping over time if they require constant tightening. Cleaning the swivels is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked rag is sufficient.

Compared to my previous experience with higher-end swivels, the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 falls short in terms of reliability and long-term durability. While they function adequately for casual use, I wouldn’t trust them in a high-stakes, life-or-death situation.

Breaking Down the Features of TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1

Specifications

• All Metal Construction: The entire swivel body and loop are constructed from metal. This is intended to provide superior strength and durability compared to plastic alternatives.
• 1″ Sling Loop: The loop is designed to accommodate slings with a width of up to 1 inch. This compatibility covers a wide range of popular sling designs.
• One Piece Body: The swivel body is machined from a single piece of metal. This reduces the number of potential failure points.
• Screw Down Locking System: A screw mechanism secures the swivel to the weapon. It is intended to prevent accidental detachment.
• Comes in Set of Two: Each package contains two swivels. This allows for complete sling attachment to both sides of a weapon.
• Black Oxide Finish: The swivels are coated with a black oxide finish. This is to provide corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance.

These specifications matter because they dictate the swivel’s strength, compatibility, and longevity. The all-metal construction directly impacts the swivel’s ability to withstand stress and resist damage. The locking system is crucial for ensuring the sling remains securely attached during dynamic movements.

Performance & Functionality

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 performs its basic function of attaching a sling reasonably well. The 1″ loop accommodates most standard slings without issue. However, the screw-down locking system is a significant weak point.

The screws consistently loosen during use, requiring frequent re-tightening. The lack of a locking compound or more robust locking mechanism significantly detracts from the swivel’s overall reliability. While the all-metal construction provides a sense of security, the loosening screws undermine this benefit.

The swivel meets the bare minimum expectations for a sling attachment point. The constant need to tighten the screws makes it difficult to fully trust in demanding situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 features a simple, utilitarian design. The one-piece body minimizes potential failure points. The black oxide finish provides a subdued, non-reflective appearance.

The swivel is relatively lightweight and doesn’t add noticeable bulk to the firearm. However, the screw-down locking mechanism is not particularly user-friendly. Tightening and loosening the screws, especially with gloved hands, can be awkward and time-consuming.

There is a slight learning curve associated with properly tightening the locking screws. Users need to ensure the screw is sufficiently tight to prevent loosening, but not so tight as to strip the threads.

Durability & Maintenance

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1‘s long-term durability is a major concern. The black oxide finish wears off relatively quickly in high-friction areas. The screws are prone to loosening and the threads may eventually strip with repeated tightening.

Maintaining the swivels is simple; a quick cleaning with a CLP-soaked rag is sufficient. However, the need to frequently tighten the screws increases the risk of wear and tear. Regular application of a thread-locking compound may help to mitigate the loosening issue, but this adds an extra step to the maintenance process.

Given the observed wear and tear, and the inherent weakness of the locking mechanism, I wouldn’t expect the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 to last more than a year or two under regular, demanding use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 does not come with any included accessories. It is a standalone product designed to attach to existing sling mounting points on a firearm.

There are no specific customization options for the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1. However, its 1″ sling loop makes it compatible with a wide variety of slings from different brands. The swivel can be used with any firearm that has standard sling mounting points.

Pros and Cons of TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1

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Who Should Buy TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1?

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 is perfect for casual shooters who require a basic sling attachment solution and are on a tight budget. It’s suitable for light use at the range or occasional hunting trips.

This product should be skipped by anyone who needs a reliable and durable sling attachment system for demanding applications such as tactical training, law enforcement, or military use. The inherent weakness of the locking mechanism makes it unsuitable for high-stakes situations.

A must-have modification would be the application of a high-strength thread-locking compound to the screws. This may help to prevent loosening and improve the swivel’s overall reliability, however, regular inspection and reapplication may be needed.

Conclusion on TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1

The TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the all-metal construction and affordable price point are appealing, the unreliable screw-down locking system significantly detracts from its overall value. The constant need to tighten the screws undermines its reliability and makes it difficult to trust in demanding situations.

At $5.99, the price is certainly justified for a basic, entry-level sling swivel. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and potential durability issues.

I would only cautiously recommend the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 to casual shooters who are on a tight budget and understand its limitations. For anyone needing a truly reliable and durable sling attachment system, investing in a higher-quality option from a reputable brand is highly recommended.

If you’re on a tight budget and willing to accept the potential for loosening screws, the TALON SWIVEL W/LOCK 1 might suffice. However, for serious users, spending a little more on a more reliable option is a worthwhile investment.

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