Quick detach sockets, usually used for rifle slings, are available in two versions.

The free-spinning type allows a sling swivel to rotate freely, 360 degrees.

The limited rotation allows the swivel to rotate to a limited degree, such as 45°. The swivel can usually be positioned at different angles to the socket, but once it’s inserted it will rotate only a limited amount.

Question:
Which to you prefer: free-spinning or limited rotation?
.

Choices:
Free-spinning.
Limited rotation.
I like both, it depends on the application.
Doesn’t matter to me which I have.

 

I like the limited rotation ones. Helps keep things aligned how I want them and the sling from twisting up.

Depending on what I am using it for, I have both. Each one serves a purpose.

My stocks have limited and free (rear) the front I prefer limited QD or a para clip.

Limited. Prevents the sling from getting tangled.

Thanks for the replies.
Based on the number of responses versus the number of views, I could get the impression that only a small fraction of us use slings with quick detach mounts.

In any case, I posted the poll to try to get some confirmation of my impression that the limited rotation type is more popular among shooters who use the mounts, and the reason for my question is how uncommon the limited rotation type is among manufacturers. For example, I was just getting a SIGM400 rifle ready for issue and discovered that the QD sockets on the stock are the free spinning type. I don’t know what the current status of Magpul sockets is, but again the ones of theirs I’ve had experience with were also the free type. I imagine the free type is easier to manufacture and probably saves at least 10¢ per unit, but I’d gladly pay whatever the extra manufacturing cost is to get the type I prefer.

Correction, all of my stocks are free spinning.
None get tangled up as long as the front is limited.
The QD socket in the handguard of the PSA 14.7" upper is limited but I prefer a steel socket for QD or a para clip.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Limited. Prevents the sling from getting tangled.

Yes indeed. Limited rotation also means I can set the swivels in a position that doesn't bind when the rifle is hanging on my body.

Depends on what and where.

I like a limited rotation for a front point.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
...
Based on the number of responses versus the number of views, I could get the impression that only a small fraction of us use slings with quick detach mounts.

...

That would describe me. My long guns have slings on fixed points or swivels. I'm not opposed to QD sockets... they actually seem like a nifty idea... but I just haven't gotten around to dipping my toes in the water on this feature yet.

I've been reading the responses with interest.

I have switched to QD mounts for most of the guns that I use with slings because it’s often more convenient to remove the sling for cleaning, storage, and activities that don’t benefit from slings. It also makes it possible to use one sling of a special type on multiple rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:
I'm not opposed to QD sockets

I barely remember the last time I used a fixed point sling. I know it was with my first AR15. My first QD was with my first precision bolt action -- a 308 Win, so that dates it. Many, many moons ago.

My first QD button-thingies did not positively engage the socket, especially when they experienced the normal grit & sand we have around here in rifle matches. A little thin oil here and there helped. But I replaced the QD buttons with a little better brand and all has been great now for years.

I wouldn't use anything other than QD mounts now. Have them on all my ARs and bolt actions. With MLok systems the QD mount placements are really flexible.