Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • Members
Posted

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

Posted

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

Cowboy 4500, Consew 206RB-4

  • Members
Posted (edited)

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 by AlamoJoe2002
wording
  • Members
Posted

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

 

  • Members
Posted

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

1907.JPG

  • CFM
Posted

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. 

Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms.

“I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!

  • Members
Posted

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

Posted

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

 

  • Members
Posted

Check this out from an older post.  

  • Members
Posted

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

EFA0655A-8F76-4F4C-8376-B2D952E9356D.jpeg

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...