16 Ounce Strap Supplier, 1907 Leather Sling Build

[AlamoJoe2002]

Hello from the Greater Philadelphia PA Area! 

I'm hunting down 16 ounce (1/4 inches or 6.4mm) thick strapping to make a 1907 rifle sling for a competitive shooter. He needs the sling to be thick, stiff and not to stretch when in use.

I've talked to two suppliers so far with no luck. The hunt is on! I'm not ready to buy a side...

Recommendations? Any saddle makers close to me such as Lancaster, PA which is Amish Dutch? 

I'm also looking at hardware. I found the sling "frogs" or clips at the buckleguy and aliexpress. These are commonly referred to as littleton clips (from their belts). I would like to find authentic heavy frogs for the sling.

Thanks for any leads. Last time I sent up a flag a gentleman in Ireland gave me great advice. Great forum!

JOE

[garypl]

Can't you just make it from two layers of 8 oz?  Would have nice grain finish on front and back!

[AlamoJoe2002]

The client wanted to have a near authentic sling as possible.

Also, I'm a beginner and not very fast at the hand stitching. I don't have a sewing machine.

But, I will present the idea to the client and get feedback. Good glue should have no problems without stitching.

I like the grain on both sides presentation!

JOE

 

Edited July 1, 2020 by AlamoJoe2002
wording

[Hildebrand]

For a use like a sling if you are going to go with 2 layers you really do need to sew it.  If you don't have a machine you may be able to take it to a saddle or boot repair shop and pay them to sew it.  A sling from a competitive shooters is going to be subject to a lot of different stresses while he uses it as well as adjusts it for the different positions.

Todd

 

[steven1]

I think when putting a 1907 sling together you will find 16 oz leather is too thick.  You may have to straighten the tips of the claws to get them together.  Even punching holes will be difficult (it is a lot of holes).    There is a possibility that at one point on the sling 4 layers will come together (64 oz).  I have a couple of these slings and I have shot a lot not competitive but a lot.   I think break-in would be a nightmare.  Personally I believe 8 oz would be plenty thick enough.  Just my two cents.  Just to make sure we are talking about the same style sling attached is a photo.

 

Photo snipped from this website.  https://www.hwsportsman.net

[chuck123wapati]

The original slings weren't that thick 1/4". They are just one layer of heavy veg tan leather. I have replaced the leather on a couple of them and they wont stretch unless you pull a truck or something with them maybe. 

[AlamoJoe2002]

Yes Stephen1, that is the sling.

Chuck123wapati, I'm still looking for the original specs. I asked the shooter if 13oz would work for him...he restated he wanted 1/4" thick leather. What is the typical oz leather you have seen on this 1907 sling?

Now I'm concerned I may need to get the frogs made as the hardware may now be too short to hook to a thicker sling.

Good info Gents! Keep it rolling!

JOE

[MikeRock]

Two here are a heavy 1/8".  Original....  those were military M14 slings, real M14 full auto.  Now the 1903A3 is.......ta da....0.135".  Fifty years apart and only a few thousandths difference.

1/4" is a tight squeeze through the sling swivels. 

God bless

 

[bland]

Check this out from an older post.  

[courtney]

I have straps cut from 1/4” Herman oak that I’ve edged and burnished. It looks thinner cuz I took off the edges, but I could sell you the straps