Leather Choice For M1907 Style Sling

[Matt S]

A couple of friends are interested in me making M1907 style slings. Doesn't have to be 'correct' with regards to exact hardware etc. but does need to be functional, and to this end I am requesting suggestions for leather in order to minimise stretch. Originals were veg tan around 10oz (4mm), presumably cut from butts or backs. But they supposedly stretched quite a lot.

Also, good quality sling hooks do not seem to be available here (just the junk Tandy ones). I wonder if you had any suggestions for alternative hardware? Again, doesn't need to be 'correct', just functional.

A couple of friends are interested in me making M1907 style slings. Doesn't have to be 'correct' with regards to exact hardware etc. but does need to be functional, and to this end I am requesting suggestions for leather in order to minimise stretch. Originals were veg tan around 10oz (4mm), presumably cut from butts or backs. But they supposedly stretched quite a lot. Stirrup butt did come to mind, but it's not easily available in cut form and I'd rather not drop £300 on a piece of hide I'd be using up for the next decade.

Also, good quality sling hooks do not seem to be available here (just the junk Tandy ones). I wonder if you had any suggestions for alternative hardware? Again, doesn't need to be 'correct', just functional.

[Dwight]

Of the three I have and use, . . . one is 8 oz vegetable tanned, . . . the other two (both 40 years + old) are oil tanned or "latigo" type leather, also 8 oz. Using my calipers, . . . two were .130 inches and the other was .120 inches thick.

None "stretch", . . . in fact, I would call it a stretch to say that they DID stretch.

If you have access to a good smith, . . . he can make the hardware for you from solid brass, . . . probably a bit more espensive, . . . but not that hard to make. Use the Tandy ones for a pattern.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited March 14, 2013 by Dwight

[PutnamLeather]

Hey guys, seeing your post got me interested in making this style sling too. So thank you. I found a lot of people talking about them and how to use them, but nobody says how long the "long" and "short" peices are. So I was hoping you would know, and let me know.

[Matt S]

Thanks Dwight that has confidence to "git er done".

Putnam, I found dimensions here which seem accurate http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=44244&hl=%2Bm1907+%2Bsling

[PutnamLeather]

Awesome, so it looks like if the short strap is 25in, the long should be aboul 50in. Thanks for the assist.