Great setup and nice photo work as always ;D
A few questions as usual:
When did you decide to try a vfg and how are you liking it?
Are you sticking with those rings because you want the lower cheekweld height, or are you looking into something that will let you keep your rear bui mounted?
Also, any reason you have the sling mounted on alternating sides?
I'm not up on my acronyms but I'll assume by vfg, you mean the optic.
I decided to try it about 2 months ago, after taking the tactical carbine class @ TDI. We shot anywhere from CQB ranges of 7 yds out to 300 yards. I had an aimpoint on the XCR at that time and the dot covered the target (steel poppers) too much once you got past 200 yds. My buddy had a 3x ACOG which was great until it came time for the live fire house and other CQB shooting, such as on the move. After that experience we both found that the IOR or something like it would truly have been the best all around optic to use. It allows for CQB and more precision type work in one optic with out adding too many things like magnifiers that swing up and down. Also the reticle is multi purpose and serves both rolls very well.
You're right on both parts about the rings. I wanted a low mount for great cheek weld... but as you can see no room for backup sights. I'm not actively looking for rings that will allow for the sights but if I come across something by chance I'll definitely look deeper into it. The rings you see are the IOR medium height. I'm afraid if I go any higher it will screw up the weld and rapid acquisition. So I don't have a great answer at this point. That is truly one of the down sides of this set up.
The sling... well that's a great question and observation. While preparing for the TDI class I was practicing movement and sighting with my chest rig on. I quickly found out that when the rear qd was attached on the same side of the weapon as the front mount, it would bind and get in the way. This was only exacerbated by the thick straps on the chest rig. Also the way the sling is made at this end, lends to the problem. Many times when I'd shoulder the weapon the buckle would bind or end up between the butt of the rifle and my shoulder, thus throwing everything out of whack. You can get an idea from this pic.
I found that mounting on the opposite side made for a much better hold, without the binding and twisting. Infact it is pretty seemless in that it keeps the stock of the gun close to your body when the weapon is hanging free.
I must note that during the course my buddy asked why I had it on wrong. One of the instructors was next to us and stated that I indeed had it on correctly to avoid the interference from the strap and or buckle. My friend promptly changed his set up to the other side.