By Ken Jacobs 1/22/2025
Every business starts somewhere. Before joining the body armor industry, I started Jacobs Quality Tactical as a small tactical supply business as the result of a hobby crafting survival gear and paracord rifle slings. Although the focus of the business has shifted further towards the armor and defense industry, the roots of the business still remain, and JQT offers my handcrafted slings and other paracord gear to this day. My slings went through several design changes and modifications before the model we offer today was born. This is the story of how the current JQT 1-2 point sling model was developed.
The Genesis: The Paracord Survival Bracelet
The journey began with the paracord survival bracelet, a piece of gear that epitomizes the ethos of being prepared. Created from USA made 550 paracord, known for its strength (capable of bearing up to 550 pounds), these bracelets were initially designed as an accessory that could be unraveled in emergency situations to provide several feet of cordage. This could be used for anything from building shelters to securing gear or even aiding in medical emergencies.
The appeal of these bracelets wasn’t just in their utility but also in their aesthetic. The intricate weaving patterns, customizable with colors and designs, made them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and survivalists. This blend of form and function caught the eye of local hunters, sparking an idea for further utility.
The Transition to Rifle Slings
Local hunters, familiar with my business and the durability and versatility of the paracord from their survival bracelets, began to see potential in using it for rifle slings. Traditional slings were often just about carrying the firearm, but what if they could serve a dual purpose?
The concept was simple yet revolutionary: use the same robust paracord to create slings that not only distribute the weight of the rifle for comfort during long hunts but also provided additional emergency cordage. The transition from bracelet to sling was about recognizing an opportunity to enhance an existing piece of gear with survival attributes.
Crafting the Paracord Rifle Sling
The process of making these slings involved more than just scaling up the bracelet design. It required understanding the ergonomics of rifle carrying, ensuring adjustability for different body types and shooting stances, and incorporating sturdy attachment points for secure fitting to various firearms.
The weaving technique, the double cobra stitch, was adapted to ensure the sling could withstand the rigors of the field. Each sling was crafted to use around 50 feet of 550 paracord, providing usable cord if the sling needed to be dismantled in an emergency. The pattern wasn’t just for looks; it helped distribute the load evenly, reducing shoulder fatigue during long treks.
Local Hunter Feedback and Customization
Feedback from local hunters was crucial. They appreciated the comfort and the added survival aspect, often suggesting custom color schemes for camouflage or personal flair, which further drove the product’s evolution. After the sling went through various modifications to reduce bulk and increase durability, the group of hunters I was working with suggested a design change to make the sling more adaptable to their weapon of choice, the AR-15 chambered in 350 Legend or other straight walled cartridges. This design suggestion is what sparked the ideas leading to the development of the JQT 1-2 point sling I offer today.
Hunting Slings meet Tactical Design
Because the hunters wanted a sling for the AR-15, which is a tactical platform, it was clear to me that a more tactical sling design was needed. The resulting design is what you see today, a sling capable of being used as a standard two-point system with the ability to switch to a fast-paced single point design via an ambidextrous adapter. The tactical nature of this sling opened up its marketability to a whole new crowd ranging from competition shooters, veterans, second amendment enthusiasts, and the broader firearms community. The versatility of this new paracord sling model made it very popular very fast, and I have that group of hunters to thank for the inspiration of the design.
Jacobs Quality Tactical Paracord Slings Today
Today, Jacobs Quality Tactical maintains its commitment to handmade paracord products. Every single paracord sling is handmade to order along with all of our other paracord offerings. We stock a wide range of color choices for our gear and custom colors are still available upon request.
The journey of Jacobs Quality Tactical from my hobbyist craft to a robust business model in tactical gear is a testament to the power of passion, quality, and adaptability. As we look to the future, JQT remains dedicated to serving those who rely on our gear for their safety and enjoyment, proving that even the most specialized markets can flourish with the right blend of innovation, quality, and community trust.
Get your JQT Paracord Sling HERE.
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