Project Appleseed

I'm trying to get my gear together for my first Appleseed shoot next month. I received my GI sling (ordered from the Appleseed/RWVA store) the other day and just tried to string it up on my AR but ran into a problem.

I have a Magpul STR stock on my AR - it's like a SOPMOD. So I ordered a Midwest Industries 1 1/4" heavy duty QD swivel (this one, to be exact - http://www.skdtac.com/Midwest-Industries-1-1-4-Heavy-Duty-QD-Swivel-p/mid.301.htm). But the spring clip on the GI sling won't fit over the swivel. It's like the swivel is too thick or not quite wide enough for the clip to go over it.

I attached a couple of pictures that will hopefully help show what I'm running into.

So...I either need a new sling or a new QD swivel. Can someone please help me sort this out?

You could simply replace the spring clip with the QD assembly in its place on the sling.

No need for two quick detachment options connected to each other on one sling.

Clever! Now why didn't I think of that?

The loop on the spring clip end is stitched so I'll have to cut it. Will I regret the loss of 4-5 inches of sling?

Sorry for the dumb question,,, I've never been a sling guy so don't really know what I'm doing here. Sling use is one of the things I'm most eager to learn in my Appleseed.

Shouldn't have to cut anything, just undo the sling by pulling it from the keeper and buckle until you can slide off the original and replace it with the QD swivel. Then reroute the sling back into its original configuration.

Dunno if I wound up with an oddball GI sling, but the spring clip is captured in a loop that is stitched. I can post a pic if that helps.

DON"T CUT ANYTHING.

Just bring it all with you to the Appleseed and we will show you how it works.
You do have a rear swivel as well as the new front?

2cl

I have a Colt 6920 and the front swivel is mounted on the gas block. No problem stringing the sling through it. It's just the rear mount that I can't get to work.

Any suggestions on a different sling or mount? I'm happy to "run what I brung" but don't want to wind up having to rig something up the morning of the event in case it winds up not working. I'd prefer to be ready to learn rather than screw around with poorly performing equipment.

Ok. Step by step.

Parts of the sling are:
Keeper has a clasp used to adjust length.
Clip (J-Clip) the clip that dosen't fit in the picture
Buckle (H-Buckle) attached on one end of sling
Tounge (metal flat end) of sling

Open the keeper and remove the sling from the keeper and front loop.
Remove the keeper.
Unthread the the sling thru the buckle. Pay attention how it goes.
Remove the hook and replace with the swivel.
Rethread the sling thru the buckle.
Run sling thru keeper under tabs then around front swivel and back thru keeper.

2cl

Thanks for the step by step!  Just followed your instructions and now have a displaced hook and QD swivel in its place.  And now I feel stupid with how easy that was.   

Hopefully this thread will help some other poor sap like me who couldn't figure this out.  I really appreciate it!

The STR incorporates two integral sling loop slots that should fit the 1.25 clip. I have the CTR that has the same slots. You do not need to use the QD attachment. You just hook it from the inside.

I just tried it out of curiosity. The plastic is too thick to fit the clip over. No go.

If it was a plain strip of sling, it would thread through.

Can you just bend the clip open a little? That's what I did with some heavy swivels that I bought...

Quote from: MrFixit on March 10, 2013, 10:31:50 AM
Can you just bend the clip open a little? That's what I did with some heavy swivels that I bought...

Someone once told me "perfection is the enemy of good enough".

He bought the swivel. It's installed. Why screw with it when it works just fine?

Quote from: MrFixit on March 10, 2013, 10:31:50 AM
Can you just bend the clip open a little? That's what I did with some heavy swivels that I bought...

I think that the point is there is no need for the clip.  The QD hardware is superior in most every way.  The "stock" clip can be a pain to attach and remove.  The QD system is more rapid and simple to manipulate in application. 

Made it to the range today to sight in the scope and try out the sling.  Since I don't really know what I'm doing with a sling, I did the best I could with a hasty sling.  I probably didn't do something quite right but did notice more stability.  My range is indoors so not much in the way of a bench...just a folding chair and little bit of table/tray space while balancing on a 20 round magazine (no sandbags or anything for a true benchrest).

Here are three 3 round groups at 25 yards.  My last group was 3 of the 4 on the center line about 1 inch below center.

Thanks for your help, guys!  I'm excited for my first Appleseed next month!

No bench?
Sounds like a pretty good range to me.

Nicest range in the state. 

http://www.westcoastarmory.com/the-range.html