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Special Operations Patrol (SOP) Sling
 
When we designed the SOP sling our intent was to produce the ultimate tactical
patrol sling design, incorporating every positive feature suggested to us by
end users as well as addressing, and solving, every negative issue relating
to conventional 3 point sling designs that we had identified. Since it's introduction
into the marketplace, the SOP Sling has been called the next evolutionary step
in 3 point tactical sling design.
 
Here are a few reasons why and how it differs from our standard CQB Slings.
To begin with 1.5" wide webbing is used for the sling strap. It's exactly
the same type of webbing used on our CQB Slings except for being wider. The
purpose of the 1.5" width is to better distribute the weight of the weapon.
The next difference has to do with how the sling attaches to the weapon. We
feel that a good sling design should work with the weapon, not against it. Conventional
3 point slings that are solidly attached to the side of the weapon don't hang
well in anything but the Off Side Drop carry mode and have a tendency to bind
up and limit efficient movement of the weapon during positional shooting. So,
for the SOP Sling, we chose flexible 1" attachment straps to be used at
each end of the sling to interface with the mounting adapter sling loops or
sling swivels. The 1" straps move, shift and conform within the sling loops
to allow the SOP Sling to move more efficiently with the weapon thus enhancing
free movement of the weapon and allowing the weapon to hang in a more vertical
orientation while being used in the Military Patrol Ready carry mode.
Another change is the ability for this sling to be set up for left or right
handed operators. With the attachment strap feature it's a simple matter to
attach the sling to the mounting adapters for use on either side. So, there
is no right or left hand specific version necessary. The adapter strap feature
also allows the user the flexibility to experiment with user specific custom
mounting solutions.
Those are all great features. However, the feature that sets this sling apart
from any other is the Transition Release Buckle (TRB). The TRB allows the sling
to be quickly and efficiently extended to instantly create slack that allows
for easy left/right shoulder transitions. This feature addresses a common complaint
associated with conventional 3 point tactical sling designs. With those types
of slings it's very difficult, if not impossible in some cases, to execute a
cross shoulder transition. This creates a serious problem in an urban environment.
 With
the TRB feature the sling can be used exactly like a conventional 3 point design,
allowing all of the same carry options. However, when the need to cross shoulder
transition is anticipated, simply flip the TRB release with the non firing hand
thumb and the 3rd point of the sling is silently released to slide freely along
the sling allowing you to extend and mount on the opposite shoulder. The sling,
however, is still attached and still functional allowing you to "let it
hang" should a secondary weapon transition be called for.
When the time comes to re-lock the TRB, it can done so quickly, silently, and
with just one hand needed, allowing the shooter to maintain a constant firing
grip on the weapon. The TRB can also be locked in wherever the shooter finds
it comfortable. This feature allows for convenient expansion and contraction
of the sling's body loop as the operator's mission profile changes and more,
or less, load bearing equipment is worn.
Should you require the ability to completely release the sling from your body,
the Emergency Release Buckle (ERB) feature is incorporated on this sling. We've
deliberately designed the sling to use two completely different buckle designs
for the TRB and ERB features to avoid any confusion between the two features.
As with our other slings, our SOP Slings use the highest quality materials
and are stitched on heavy duty industrial machines using mil-spec #69 nylon
thread. Realizing the needs of our end users we ensure strict quality control
standards and have over engineered these slings to deliver long term performance
under harsh conditions.
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