Magpul Paraclip: A Versatile Sling Attachment for Firearms

Introduction to the Magpul Paraclip

Magpul is a cornerstone of tactical gear, renowned for innovative, durable firearm accessories. The Magpul Paraclip, a clip-style sling attachment, exemplifies this, offering a lightweight, reliable solution for shooters needing quick-release functionality. Ideal for competitive shooters, home defenders, or everyday carriers, this article explores the Paraclip’s design, compatibility, installation, and user feedback, drawing from Magpul’s official specifications and user insights.

Design and Functionality

The Magpul Paraclip is designed for 1-1/4-inch webbing, enabling rapid sling detachment in emergencies, such as transitioning to action or shedding gear. Weighing under an ounce, it blends hardened steel—case-hardened and QPQ salt bath nitride-finished for corrosion resistance—with heavy-duty polymer for low weight and noise. Made in the USA, its low-profile design minimizes snags on gear or clothing.

It operates via a spring-loaded lever that clips onto a compatible loop, snapping shut securely. A cross-bolt lock bar can lock the lever, preventing accidental release under stress or vibration. Unlocking is a one-handed, seconds-long process, glove-friendly and efficient. It pairs with Magpul’s MS1 sling for two-point setups or MS1 MS3/QD Adapters for convertible one-to-two-point configurations, enabling transitions from stable carry to close-quarters mobility. The snag-free polymer housing ensures quiet performance, ideal for tactical or hunting use. In practical testing, it handles dynamic movements without issues, maintaining secure hold in dusty or rainy conditions.

Compatibility with Mounts and Slings

The Paraclip’s versatility shines in its compatibility with Magpul’s ecosystem, including the ASAP Plate for AR-15 rear mounting, RSA Rail Sling Attachment for Picatinny rails, M-LOK Paraclip Sling Mount for handguards, Forward Sling Mounts for shotguns like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590, and SGA Receiver Sling Mount for stocks. It also fits non-Magpul snap-hook loops and standard/QD sling swivels with a minimum 3/8-inch inner diameter (9/16-inch preferred).

For slings, it’s optimized for the MS1 series, leveraging the MS1 Slider for adjustments, but works with other 1-1/4-inch webbing slings like the Vickers Blue Force Gear. Using the MS1 MS3 Adapter, it supports switching between two-point and single-point modes, suiting dynamic or patrol roles. This ensures compatibility with AR-15s, AKs with suitable mounts, and shotguns without major modifications. It requires snap-hook style loops for best results, making it suitable for a broad array of tactical setups.

Attaching the Paraclip

Attaching the Paraclip is user-friendly. Thread 1-1/4-inch webbing through the clip’s loop, securing it with hardware or a knot for basic slings. For MS1 setups, the webbing locks directly into the clip. To connect to a firearm, open the lever, hook it onto a loop (e.g., A2 buttstock swivel), snap it closed, and optionally engage the lock bar. This takes under five seconds, even in low light. Maintenance involves a wipe-down to clear debris, with the nitride finish resisting rust in humid conditions, ensuring reliability for all users. For longevity, occasional light lubrication on steel parts is recommended after exposure to mud or extreme weather.

Compatibility with A2 and Strike Industries Loops

The Paraclip works with A2 buttstock sling loops if the loop’s inner diameter is at least 3/8 inches. On A2 fixed stocks, it clips securely, adding quick-detach functionality without modifications, ideal for retro AR-15 builds. Testing shows no slippage, making it a versatile upgrade for legacy and modern setups.

QD Swivel Socket Integration

The Paraclip attaches to QD sling swivels and, with the optional QD Paraclip Adapter, to push-button QD sockets. This nitride-finished steel adapter inserts into sockets on stocks like the Magpul CTR or handguards, creating a Paraclip-compatible loop. It’s ideal for hybrid systems, combining Paraclip security with QD convenience. The adapter’s anti-rotation design prevents snags, enhancing modularity.

Installing the QD Paraclip Adapter

Installing the QD Paraclip Adapter is simple. With an unloaded firearm, locate the QD socket. Using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench (not included), loosen the adapter’s set screw if pre-assembled, or thread it in. Align the post with the socket, push until seated, and tighten the screw to prevent rotation. Magpul advises threading the screw first for alignment. Test by attaching the sling and pulling—no movement should occur. Positioned forward on M-LOK rails, it optimizes two-point balance. Users report durability against recoil and environmental exposure.

Paraclip vs. QD Sling Mounts

The Paraclip and QD sling mounts cater to different needs, with distinct strengths. The Paraclip’s cross-bolt lock bar ensures secure retention, preventing accidental releases that can occur with QD systems if a button is snagged. Its hybrid steel-polymer build is lightweight, quiet, and corrosion-resistant, outperforming QD ball bearings in harsh conditions like mud or sand. The low-profile design reduces snags on gear or brush, unlike protruding QD fittings.

However, QD mounts excel in speed for sling swaps across multiple firearms, ideal for users frequently reconfiguring setups. The Paraclip’s one-handed release is nearly as fast but prioritizes security for fixed setups. Its simpler mechanics enhance reliability in extreme environments, making it a go-to for tactical or hunting scenarios where silence and stability are critical.

Pros and Cons of the Magpul Paraclip

Pros:

• Secure locking mechanism prevents unintended releases during intense activity.
• Durable materials resist corrosion, scratches, and impacts in tough environments.
• Easy, intuitive operation works well with gloves and requires no learning curve.
• Broad compatibility with various slings and loops for flexible setups.
• Lightweight addition that enhances weapon control without added bulk.

Cons:

• Limited to black color, which may not match all aesthetic preferences.
• Requires specific snap-hook style loops, potentially limiting some sling options.

Conclusion

The Magpul Paraclip blends speed, security, and compatibility, integrating with A2 loops, Strike Industries mounts, and QD systems via adapters. This American-made accessory delivers proven performance, backed by strong user acclaim. Pair it with a quality sling for a game-changing setup, embodying Magpul’s commitment to practical innovation.