UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) Review

First Thoughts on the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF)

Sling swivels. They’re often overlooked, but they are an absolutely crucial piece of kit for anyone who carries a long gun. I’ve seen countless beautiful rifles rendered practically useless because of cheap, poorly designed swivels. Today, we’re looking at the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF), a quick detachable sling swivel designed with wood stocks in mind. Are these the unsung heroes we’ve been waiting for?

My need for these arose from a specific project: restoring an old Winchester Model 94. The original sling studs were long gone, and I wanted a system that was both secure and allowed for rapid sling detachment. I was seeking a balance of classic aesthetics and modern functionality.

Upon receiving the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF), I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The blued steel finish appeared clean and even. They felt solid in my hand, not lightweight and flimsy like some budget options I’ve encountered.

I considered similar products from brands like Uncle Mike’s and GrovTec. I chose the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) primarily because of the unique design aimed at preventing metal-on-wood contact. This feature seemed particularly well-suited for protecting the finish on my vintage rifle’s stock.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed good for the price. I was eager to see how well the quick-detach mechanism would function in the field and how durable the blued finish would prove to be.

Real-World Testing: Putting UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) during a week-long deer hunting trip in the Pennsylvania backcountry. The weather ranged from crisp and dry mornings to a day of drizzling rain. My primary concern was how well the swivels would hold up to the rigors of carrying a rifle through dense woods and whether the QD mechanism would remain reliable after exposure to the elements.

The installation was straightforward, thanks to the included wood screws. The quick-detach mechanism operated smoothly, allowing me to quickly attach and detach my sling when transitioning between carrying my rifle and setting up for a shot. I appreciated the design that prevented metal-on-wood contact, as I was very cautious not to scratch the stock.

The only initial issue I encountered was with the threading on one of the screws. It felt a bit rough. However, with some careful application of force, it seated properly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting rifle. There are a few minor scratches on the blued finish, which is to be expected from regular use in the field. The QD mechanism still functions flawlessly, providing secure attachment and easy detachment.

I’ve found that a little bit of gun oil on the QD plungers keeps them working smoothly. No special maintenance is required. They’re easy to wipe down after a day in the field.

Compared to other sling swivels I’ve used, the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) stands out for its combination of secure attachment, ease of use, and thoughtful design. It’s a significant upgrade over the standard, basic sling swivels that often come pre-installed on firearms. The UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) has met and slightly exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF)

Specifications

• Type: Sling Swivels. This designates the overall category of the product.
• Loop Size: 1″. This is the width of the loop that accommodates the sling, compatible with most standard 1-inch slings.
• Color: Blued. The swivels feature a blued steel finish, providing a traditional and corrosion-resistant coating.
• Material: Steel. This indicates the swivels are constructed from steel for strength and durability.
• Cap Size: None. This means the swivel design does not include a cap.
• Stock Material: Wood. These swivels are designed specifically for use with wood stocks.

These specifications ensure compatibility with standard slings and provide a durable and reliable attachment point for firearms with wood stocks. The blued finish helps protect against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the swivels.

Performance & Functionality

The UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) performs its job admirably. The quick-detach mechanism is reliable and easy to use, allowing for rapid sling attachment and detachment. The wood screw base provides a secure and stable mounting point on wood stocks.

The main strength is the secure and reliable QD mechanism. The slight weakness is that the blued finish scratches relatively easily. It meets my expectations for a reasonably priced, functional sling swivel set.

Design & Ergonomics

The UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) features a simple, functional design. The all-steel construction provides durability. The quick-detach mechanism is intuitive.

These swivels are very user-friendly. Installation is easy, and the QD mechanism requires no special tools or training.

Durability & Maintenance

The all-steel construction of the UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) suggests a reasonable lifespan. The blued finish will likely show wear over time.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the QD mechanism. The steel construction is resistant to most common cleaning solvents.

Accessories and Customization Options

The UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF) set comes with everything needed for installation: two swivels and four wood screws. There aren’t any specific customization options for the swivels themselves.

The swivels are compatible with any standard 1-inch sling. There are many aftermarket slings to choose from. These include padded slings, tactical slings, and traditional leather slings.

Pros and Cons of UM SWIVEL QD 115 RGS (12) (FF)