Evening gentlemen,

Just in the process of purchasing another set of sling swivels and would like your opinions on the plastic variety, Quake make them I think? In the past have always had the metal turn and lock variety...

Do they go brittle in very cold weather?

Personally, I prefer the Uncle Mikes metal swivels and wrap them in electrical tape to stop unwanted rattles. You avoid having your expensive rifle / scope being damaged when the plastic swivel fractures in cold weather (although I have yet to see this, I prefer piece of mind)

Yes, Quake makes plastic silent sling swivels. I have a set and one of the screws came out on an antelope hunt two weeks ago. Reason: I left out the rubber ring that helps "tension" the screw and hold it in. My fault, not the swivel's.

I've had mine for many years with no problems (other than those created by me!).

I'm with Andy on this one.

I've used Uncle Mike's metal sling swivels & studs for as long as I can remember and they've given me tremendous service AND piece of mind when those "Murphy's Law!" things happen in the field. Never had a problem or a gun/sling issue. While, like yourself I've often taken a second glance at the newer plastic ones; especially regarding the "quieter" aspect, somehow the confidence factor just isn't there (I may be wrong - again!)

I've even gone so far as to drill out every European swivel stud (especially the shotguns) to accomodate the Uncle Mike's and replaced those that didn't meet muster (Blaser R93 especially, Uncle Mike's studs fit their fixtures perfectly). That way the four or five synthetic & leather slings that I usually use fit every rifle/shotgun I've got. Just a matter of grabing a sling and out the door.

Forget the exact size but if you measure the piece that goes through the stud on an Uncle Mike's metal sling, a drill bit will bore it out to where there is no slop and/or rattle on those European sizes. Naturally, on the one's with Uncle Mike's studs, there is no issue.

When I'm stalking they are quiet enough and when sitting in a High Seat, take the sling and the scope covers off and put them aside for instant, quiet and tangle-free deployment.

Cheers guys, yes that is what I was thinking, just thought I'd ask if I was missing out on the plastic stuff, will stick to the metal fixed jobs!