U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 Review

The U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 Made a Bold First Impression

Sling swivels are a critical, often overlooked, component for any long gun owner. The U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 promises a quick and easy sling attachment solution for shotguns, especially those lacking factory-installed sling studs. U. Mike’s is not necessarily a household name like some of the bigger firearms accessory manufacturers, so I was particularly interested to see how these budget-friendly swivels would perform.

I was looking for a reliable way to attach a sling to my old Mossberg 500 without having to permanently modify the gun. Many aftermarket options involve complex installations or require a gunsmith, which I wanted to avoid. My primary goal was a secure and easily detachable sling solution for hunting and range use.

Upon receiving the U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12, I immediately noticed the blued finish and the compact clam packaging. The swivels themselves felt solid, though not exceptionally heavy-duty. The bluing appeared even and well-applied.

Compared to some other QD sling swivel options I’ve used, these felt a little less refined, but the price point is significantly lower. Options from Magpul or GrovTec offer a smoother operation and potentially more robust construction but also come at a higher cost. For a budget build or a shotgun that sees occasional use, the U. Mike’s offering seemed like a viable contender.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The swivels seemed functional and well-suited for their intended purpose, but I needed to put them through their paces to truly assess their reliability and durability. I was eager to see how they would perform under real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 on my Mossberg 500 during a dove hunting trip. The environment was dusty, and temperatures fluctuated throughout the day. The swivels were attached to a basic nylon sling.

Installation was straightforward, clamping securely onto the shotgun’s magazine tube and buttstock. I encountered no issues with the quick-detach mechanism, as the sling was easily attached and detached as needed. The swivels performed flawlessly during the initial hunting session.

There were no immediate surprises or problems. The sling felt secure, and the QD mechanism functioned as expected. The true test would be their long-term reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and another hunting excursion, the U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 have held up reasonably well. There are slight signs of wear on the blued finish, primarily where the swivels make contact with the shotgun and sling.

The quick-detach mechanism is still functioning smoothly, without any noticeable degradation. Regular cleaning and light oiling have been sufficient to maintain them. They require minimal effort to keep in good working order.

Compared to some higher-end sling swivels I’ve used, the U. Mike’s version requires slightly more frequent cleaning to prevent any potential binding. Overall, they have exceeded my initial expectations, proving to be a reliable and cost-effective option.

Breaking Down the Features of U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12

Specifications

The U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 is designed specifically for shotguns, particularly those lacking integrated sling studs. The key specifications are:

• Type: Quick-Detach (QD) Sling Swivels
• Finish: Blued
• Sling Width: 1 inch
• Attachment Method: Clamps onto shotgun magazine tube and buttstock
• Material: Steel

These specifications are crucial for understanding the swivels’ intended use and limitations. The 1-inch sling width is a standard size, accommodating most common slings. The blued steel construction offers a decent level of corrosion resistance for typical outdoor use.

Performance & Functionality

The U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 performs its primary function admirably: providing a secure and easily detachable sling attachment point. The QD mechanism allows for rapid sling removal when necessary.

Strengths include the ease of installation and the secure clamping mechanism. A weakness could be the blued finish, which is susceptible to scratching and wear over time. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly sling swivel set, balancing cost and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The swivels are designed for simplicity and ease of use. The clamp-on design requires no gunsmithing or permanent modifications.

The steel construction feels sturdy, but the blued finish is relatively basic. The overall weight is negligible, not adding significant bulk to the shotgun. The design is functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

The swivels are reasonably durable for their price point. With proper care and maintenance, they should last for several years of moderate use.

Maintenance involves occasional cleaning and light lubrication to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation of the QD mechanism. They are relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal effort.

Accessories and Customization Options

The U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12 comes as a complete set, ready for installation. No additional accessories are required.

While the swivels themselves don’t offer customization options, they are compatible with any 1-inch sling. This allows users to choose a sling that best suits their needs and preferences. There aren’t additional brand specific accessories, as the core function is provided by the core product.

Pros and Cons of U. Mike’s SLING SWIVELS QD 115 SG-12