Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Sling
Last tested:
On this page: Verdict · Our Verified Review · The Good · The Not Good · Product Description · What others think · FAQ
The verdict Good: A generally solid two-point sling that stays in place, does not slip, and is comfortable enough for training and competition. The thick webbing can tangle on other gear.
Our Verified Review
Owned and tested by our reviewer, Will
Will has the standard (unpadded) Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Sling in FDE with QD swivels and the plastic-ball adjuster. He runs it on his BCM RECCE-16, attached at the buttstock and at the very end of the handguard on the left side, for training and competing.
He calls it a generally solid sling: it stays in place and is comfortable enough. The quick adjuster has had no slip issues. There is no pad on his; it eventually gets a little uncomfortable, but he says that is not really an issue. The main downside is that the pretty thick web strap does seem to get tangled on other gear. It has no fraying or other durability issues so far. Verdict: Good.
The Good ✅
- Generally Solid: Will calls it a generally solid sling that stays in place.
- Comfortable Enough: Comfortable enough for training and competing; the lack of a pad is not really an issue for him.
- No Adjuster Slip: He has had no slip issues with the quick adjuster.
- Holding Up Well: No fraying or other issues so far.
- QD Ends: His is set up with QD swivels on the RECCE-16 buttstock and handguard.
The Not Good ❌
Flaws, but not deal-breakers.
- Thick Strap Can Tangle: The pretty thick web strap does seem to get tangled on other gear.
- Eventually a Little Uncomfortable: Without a pad it eventually gets a little uncomfortable, though Will says that is not really an issue.
Product Description
Specs and maker’s details
The Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) is a two-point rifle sling built around a patented quick adjuster so you can go from loose carry to tight shooting length fast. Blue Force Gear makes standard and padded versions, with hardware options that include molded (plastic) or metal adjusters and loop, triglide or QD-style ends.
Will’s is the standard unpadded Vickers in FDE (coyote-style) with QD swivels and the plastic-ball adjuster, on a BCM RECCE-16.
What others think
How our verdict compares with other reviews
Overall reception: Very well regarded. Outdoor Life names the padded version its best AR-15 sling, and Blue Force Gear says more than 500,000 Vickers slings are in use across every branch of the U.S. military.
Where owners agree: Reviewers praise the tough webbing, the fast one-hand adjuster and the simple, proven two-point design.
Where owners disagree: We found no real disagreement about the standard sling. The main choice reviewers discuss is padded versus unpadded: Outdoor Life picks the padded version for all-day comfort, while many shooters prefer the lighter, simpler unpadded one.
Our take: Will’s standard unpadded sling matches the praise: solid, no adjuster slip, comfortable enough without a pad and no fraying. His one complaint is that the thick strap can tangle on other gear.
Sources (checked Oct 18, 2026): Outdoor Life: Best Rifle Slings · Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling product page
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Is the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling comfortable?
Will runs the standard unpadded version and says it is comfortable enough. It eventually gets a little uncomfortable without a pad, but he says that is not really an issue.
Does the Vickers sling adjuster slip?
Will has had no slip issues with his plastic-ball quick adjuster.
Padded or unpadded Vickers sling?
Will has the standard unpadded Vickers in FDE. Blue Force Gear also makes a padded version with a fixed mid-section pad.
Does the Vickers sling tangle on gear?
Will says the pretty thick web strap does seem to get tangled on other gear.
How does Will attach his Vickers sling?
On his BCM RECCE-16 with QD swivels at the buttstock and at the very end of the handguard on the left side.
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