Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action Review

Let’s Dive into Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action promises to be a simple, yet effective solution for adding a sling to your classic lever-action rifle. Lever guns are iconic pieces of Americana, often passed down through generations; however, they often lack convenient sling attachment points. Uncle Mike’s attempts to bridge this gap with a no-nonsense, affordable kit designed for easy installation.

As an avid hunter and firearms enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the practicality of a good sling. Carrying a rifle for extended periods in the field demands a comfortable and secure carry method, far better than just lugging it in your hands. This led me to seek a solution that wouldn’t require permanent modifications to my vintage Marlin 336.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was of simple, rugged construction. The steel components felt solid, and the black finish seemed durable enough to withstand typical wear and tear. The full-band design for the magazine tube appeared robust and well-suited to the task.

Compared to other sling mounting options, like barrel-band swivels that clamp onto the barrel itself, or more involved gunsmithing solutions, the Uncle Mike’s kit seemed like the most practical and least intrusive option. I had considered a paracord sling attachment around the stock, but wanted something more secure. The low price point also made it an attractive choice.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. While the components seemed sturdy, I was slightly concerned about the potential for slippage of the full-band on the magazine tube. I was also interested to see how the wood screw base would hold up over time.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action was on a whitetail hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was typical for late fall: cold, damp, and with occasional light snow. The terrain was a mix of dense forest and open fields.

The installation, while requiring drilling a pilot hole in the stock, was straightforward. However, I found that the full-band did indeed have a tendency to slide forward on the magazine tube. I temporarily remedied this by placing a small piece of rubber tubing between the band and the forend.

Despite the slight slippage issue, the sling itself functioned flawlessly. The quick-detach swivels made it easy to remove the sling when I was in my stand, and reattach it when moving between locations. The sling allowed me to carry my rifle comfortably over my shoulder, freeing up my hands for navigating the uneven terrain.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action has held up reasonably well. I’ve taken it on several more hunting trips, as well as numerous range sessions. The steel components show no signs of rust or corrosion.

The wood screw base in the buttstock is still holding strong, although I check it periodically to ensure it remains snug. The full-band issue persists, and I plan to explore a more permanent fix, possibly using a thin adhesive liner. The sling has seen a fair bit of dirt and mud, but it’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Compared to other, more expensive sling mounting solutions I’ve used on other rifles, the Uncle Mike’s kit is definitely a budget-friendly option. However, the slight slippage issue prevents it from achieving a higher rating. It’s a functional solution, but not without its drawbacks.

Breaking Down the Features of Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action

Specifications

• The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action is designed for lever-action rifles with a full-length magazine tube. It fits magazine tube diameters of .645-.660″, specifically targeting Winchester and Marlin centerfire lever actions.
• The kit includes two 1-inch QD swivels, a full-band fore-end stud, and a wood screw base for the buttstock. The components are constructed from steel, ensuring reasonable durability.

The full-band design is critical for attaching the sling to the magazine tube without requiring permanent modifications. The QD swivels allow for quick and easy removal of the sling when needed. The wood screw base provides a simple, yet secure attachment point for the rear swivel.

Performance & Functionality

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action performs its primary function adequately: it allows you to attach a sling to your lever-action rifle. However, the slippage issue with the full-band detracts from its overall performance. The QD swivels function smoothly and securely.

The primary strength is its ease of installation and affordability. The weakness lies in the full-band design, which could benefit from a more secure locking mechanism. The kit meets basic expectations, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action features a simple, functional design. The steel construction and black finish provide a rugged aesthetic. The weight of the kit is minimal and doesn’t significantly impact the rifle’s balance.

The kit is relatively user-friendly, although drilling a pilot hole in the stock can be intimidating for some. The full-band design, while convenient, is not without its ergonomic flaws.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action should last for many years. The steel components are resistant to rust and corrosion. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the screws.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action kit doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the swivels and mounting hardware. However, it’s compatible with any standard 1-inch sling. You can customize the kit by using different sling types, such as leather, nylon, or paracord.

Consider adding a recoil pad to the stock to further enhance shooting comfort. The QD swivels are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket sling attachments.

Pros and Cons of Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action

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Who Should Buy Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action?

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action is perfect for lever-action rifle owners who want to add a sling without permanently modifying their firearm. It’s especially well-suited for hunters who carry their rifles for extended periods.

Those who are unwilling to drill a hole in their stock, or who demand a rock-solid sling attachment, should skip this product. A must-have modification would be a solution to prevent the full-band from slipping, such as a rubber liner or set screw.

Conclusion on Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action

The Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action provides a functional, affordable solution for adding a sling to your lever-action rifle. While the slippage issue with the full-band is a drawback, it can be mitigated with some ingenuity.

The price is justified, given the kit’s simplicity and ease of installation. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly sling mounting option. Don’t expect perfection, but with a few tweaks, it gets the job done. Get your Uncle Mike’s QD Swivel – Full Band – Lever Action today and experience the convenience of a sling on your lever gun!