Quick Question on Temper and Strap-making

[Hardrada]

Say, I need to make adjustable slings, your slider and belt loop kind of strap. I've some 9 oz English bridle, but I'm wondering if it's too thick and firm for this purpose.

I've also some 7 oz latigo that feels less rigid, but I wonder if it's good to support a load of ~8-10 lbs. I could line it with suede, but I'd rather not stitch 100 inches of strap.

I know that for slings one would want leather that won't stretch, but I'm thinking I also want it quite pliable. What's the best temper then? Is firm too rigid? On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, down to which number is acceptable?

TIA for any helpful input.

Edited November 9, 2021 by Hardrada

[chuck123wapati]

58 minutes ago, Hardrada said:

Say, I need to make adjustable slings, your slider and belt loop kind of strap. I've some 9 oz English bridle, but I'm wondering if it's too thick and firm for this purpose.

I've also some 7 oz latigo that feels less rigid, but I wonder if it's good to support a load of ~8-10 lbs. I could line it with suede, but I'd rather not stitch 100 inches of strap.

I know that for slings one would want leather that won't stretch, but I'm thinking I also want it quite pliable. What's the best temper then? Is firm too rigid? On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, down to which number is acceptable?

TIA for any helpful input.

what kind of sling? a rifle sling? 

[Frodo]

If you want thick soft leather. oil the leather and work it. 

I wrap my belts around a pole and pull back and forth   for 15 minutes

Or you could do like the Indians did.  Tell your wife to chew the leather to make it soft. THEN after you get out of the dog house, wrap it around a pole and pull back and forth

[Hardrada]

4 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

what kind of sling? a rifle sling? 

Yeah. A collector asked if I could make a replica of the old SKS/AK Russian sling.

[tsunkasapa]

As I recall, new/as issued, these were quite stiff and became "broke in" with use.

[chuck123wapati]

11 hours ago, Hardrada said:

Yeah. A collector asked if I could make a replica of the old SKS/AK Russian sling.

here are some examples... https://whatacountry.com/ak-47-sling-leather.aspx

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1023613754?pid=557511&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=Military+Surplus+-+Gear&utm_content=557511&cm_mmc=pf_ci_bing-_-Military+Surplus+-+Gear-_-Military+Surplus-_-557511&msclkid=7e8ce9bbfd8b138ad07388304a35269c&utm_term=1101100736058

9 hours ago, tsunkasapa said:

As I recall, new/as issued, these were quite stiff and became "broke in" with use.

yes they are pretty much unfinished condition when new i think the service men were to do that job.

Edited November 10, 2021 by chuck123wapati

[jcuk]

Have to say i have not done any work where guns are concerned but looking at the links from Chuck can not see any reason why the 9oz/3.6mm bridle leather would not work a lot of my work is heavy strap work and if i had that weight of leather to hand i would use it.

Hope this helps

JCUK 

[Hardrada]

Thanks for the input, mates.

Now the main challenge is being finding the snap hook. The ones Tandy sells are humongous.

[chuck123wapati]

17 hours ago, Hardrada said:

Thanks for the input, mates.

Now the main challenge is being finding the snap hook. The ones Tandy sells are humongous.

the whole strap is only 8 bucks cant you buy this stuff in Canada?

[Hardrada]

29 minutes ago, chuck123wapati said:

the whole strap is only 8 bucks cant you buy this stuff in Canada?

LOL. I reckon the cost of shipping would be more than the item's.

[Hardrada]

Hah!

Apparently you can buy them here: https://www.herooutdoors.com/hungarian-leather-ak47-sling/

Only $34!

[chuck123wapati]

23 minutes ago, Hardrada said:

Hah!

Apparently you can buy them here: https://www.herooutdoors.com/hungarian-leather-ak47-sling/

Only $34!

holy cow i was kind of wondering why you were asked to make one now i know lol.  $16.90 to my door

Edited November 11, 2021 by chuck123wapati