Let’s Talk About Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling promises a hands-free carrying solution for your shotgun, coupled with the added benefit of readily accessible ammunition. Manufactured by Vism, a brand known for affordable tactical gear, this sling aims to blend practicality with value. I picked up this sling hoping to consolidate my shotgun carrying and ammo carriage needs into one convenient package.
I’ve always struggled with keeping my shotgun secure while navigating dense brush during pheasant season. A quality sling is a must, but I also hated fumbling for shells when a bird flushed. This sling seemed like a potentially elegant solution to both problems.
My initial impression upon unboxing was…underwhelming. The materials felt thin and the stitching appeared somewhat questionable. The nylon webbing felt rough to the touch, and the elastic shell loops seemed like they might stretch out quickly.
Compared to my trusted, albeit more expensive, Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Sling, the Vism offering felt decidedly budget-oriented. I also have a padded Magpul MS4 sling, which prioritizes comfort over ammo capacity. I chose the Vism because I wanted the added functionality of the shell holders, despite concerns about overall quality.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. At this price point, I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I hoped it would be serviceable. The potential convenience of having shells readily available was alluring, but the cheap feel of the materials gave me pause.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling at my local shooting range during a practice session. I ran some drills involving transitioning between targets while keeping the shotgun slung. I also took it on a short hike through a wooded area behind my property.
The sling performed adequately in dry conditions at the range. The weight of the shotgun, a Mossberg 500, was distributed relatively evenly. However, the plastic clips felt flimsy, and I constantly worried they might detach.
During the hike, the sling rubbed against my neck and shoulder, becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The shell loops, loaded with 12-gauge shells, added extra weight and a noticeable wobble. I also noticed that the plastic clips did not fit properly on my shotgun, and I needed to use additional adapters.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of intermittent use, including one rainy day at the range, the Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling showed significant signs of wear. The stitching on several of the shell loops began to fray. The elastic started to lose its elasticity, and some shells became loose and prone to falling out.
The nylon webbing developed a noticeable sheen and felt even rougher against my skin. The plastic clips accumulated scratches and appeared increasingly brittle. Cleaning was simple enough – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth – but the damage was already done.
Compared to my experiences with higher-quality slings, the Vism offering was a disappointment. My Blue Force Gear sling has endured years of heavy use and still looks and performs like new. The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling felt like it was on its last legs after just a few weeks.
Breaking Down the Features of Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling
Specifications
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling boasts several key specifications:
- Length: 51 inches. This length is adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and preferences.
- Width: 2 inches. This width provides a reasonable level of comfort, although it could be wider for heavier shotguns.
- Attachment Type: Clip. The plastic clips are intended for quick attachment and detachment, but they feel like the weakest point of the sling.
- Additional Features: 15 Loops for Shot Shells. These loops are designed to hold 12-gauge shotgun shells for easy access.
- Fabric/Material: Nylon Webbing. The nylon webbing is lightweight and relatively durable, but it lacks the comfort of padded slings.
- Manufacturer: VISM. VISM aims for affordable tactical gear, which often comes with compromises in quality.
These specifications translate to a lightweight and functional, albeit somewhat uncomfortable, sling. The 15 shell loops are a nice feature, but their long-term durability is questionable. The plastic clips are a significant concern, as they could fail under stress.
Performance & Functionality
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling performs its basic function – carrying a shotgun – adequately. However, its other features leave much to be desired. The shell loops are convenient in theory, but their poor elasticity and questionable stitching undermine their practicality.
The sling’s strengths lie in its affordability and lightweight design. Its weaknesses are its discomfort, poor durability, and unreliable attachment clips. Ultimately, it barely meets expectations for a functional shotgun sling.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling is simple and straightforward. However, the ergonomics are lacking. The nylon webbing is rough and abrasive against the skin, especially when the sling is loaded with shells.
The build quality is subpar, with flimsy plastic clips and questionable stitching. The weight distribution is decent, but the overall comfort level is low. There is definitely a learning curve because I had to purchase new sling swivels that actually fit the clips.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling is a major concern. The materials are cheap and prone to wear and tear. The shell loops are likely to fail over time, and the plastic clips could break under stress.
Maintenance is simple – wipe it down with a damp cloth – but that won’t fix the underlying durability issues. Expect this sling to last only a season or two with regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited, as the sling is a basic design. You could potentially replace the plastic clips with higher-quality metal ones, but that would add to the overall cost.
It is compatible with most shotguns that have standard sling swivels. However, as I found out, the clips may not fit all swivel types, requiring additional adapters.
Pros and Cons of Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Lightweight design.
- Convenient shell loops for easy access to ammunition.
- Adjustable length to fit different body sizes.
- Simple and straightforward design.
Cons
- Poor durability and questionable stitching.
- Uncomfortable nylon webbing that rubs against the skin.
- Flimsy plastic clips that feel unreliable.
Who Should Buy Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling?
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a basic shotgun sling with shell-carrying capabilities for occasional use. It might be suitable for someone who only hunts a few times a year or needs a temporary solution.
Anyone who requires a durable, comfortable, and reliable sling for frequent or demanding use should skip this product. This includes serious hunters, tactical shooters, and anyone who values quality over price. A must-have modification would be to replace the sling clips.
Conclusion on Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling
The Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling is a budget-friendly option that delivers basic functionality. However, its poor durability, discomfort, and unreliable clips make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious shooters.
The price is certainly justified for what you get – a bare-bones sling with shell loops – but the long-term value is questionable. I would not personally recommend it unless you’re on a very tight budget and only need a sling for occasional use.
Ultimately, the Vism By Ncstar 12 Gauge Shot Shell Shotgun Sling is a case of “you get what you pay for.” Invest in a higher-quality sling for better performance, comfort, and durability. There are many better options if you are willing to spend a little more to get a lot more quality and functionality.