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THX1139

THX1139

CGN frequent flyer
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Vancouver, BC
Hi everyone,

Well now that I've got my M1A (standard/composite 22") I'm curious as to what makes a good traditional sling and what makes a better sling, for whatever reasons you may have. For me price takes a back seat to quality, craftsmanship and supporting artisans.

Now I've seen Kerr and Ching slings online but have no experience with anything other than the usual hunting sling on my Marlin 1895GS and 597 WMR.

I must say that I don't use a sling for stability in shooting but I get this physical pull towards using one. It's like there's a little something missing.
 
Norinco slings
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I'll add my 0.02 cents.

A traditional hunting sling works well for hanging the rifle off your shoulder but is useless for properly slinging up (they can't) and is awkward for a hasty sling as most are too wide.

I've switched to using the M1907's leather slings on everything I shoot, including my hunting rifle.

There are several outfits who do versions of the M1907, and most you can't go wrong with.

However, one of my mentors has mentioned on several occassions on being aware of the leather as it will stretch if it gets wet versus a surplus cotton GI version or the Norc ones listed above (but the GI ones can be hard to find and beauty is in the eye of the beholder).

Slinging up will give you a whole improved level of stability, whether in a service rifle or hunting.

As a leather whore myself, I also think nothing looks finer than tan leather on a walnut, composite or both.

Finally, note that you should check the rules of whatever you intend to shoot ie service rifle, as different types of sling (such as a ching) may or may not be allowed.

YMMV.
 
After looking back at old stuff when I was talkign to Hungry,

as like Bullwhip has stated..

Look into Turner slings, they are made of a material that wont stretch like leather and come in the m1907 format. Thats what I use on my Garand (one like it) and I will be using two more on my M14s.

If you search Turner Slings on Google, you should find it.
 
... Another maker, although perhaps lesser known, is : Leslie E.M.TAM out of Honolulu. He makes them by hand, offers a number of options, size/weight and includes very good reproduction versions. I don't think he has a Web page, and it's a one man operation out of his home. If any one needs the address just send me a PM and I get back to you..... David K
 
+2 for Leslie Tam.

-You'd be supporting a true artisan, that is a NRA high power shooter to boot.
-His slings are handmade, and of excellent quality.
-He'll make them to order:

I have two, here is a photo of my black one.
In addition to the National Match and year stamps, Leslie put on my Regiment, Initials and last three.

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...I did a quick "Goggle" and Les Tam does have a web page ! He's a really nice guy, and went out of his way, to personally deliver my sling to the Hotel where I was staying in Honolulu . .... David K :)
 
Just stepping in to say I really appreciate the input. This is great info!

Say, how do you determine the best length? I'm 6'4" with some pretty long arms or is it more the length of the rifle?
 
David K said:
...I did a quick "Goggle" and Les Tam does have a web page ! He's a really nice guy, and went out of his way, to personally deliver my sling to the Hotel where I was staying in Honolulu . .... David K :)
Click to expand...

I'm going to look him up when I'm there this winter - If I'm lucky I can take in a service shoot while the wife and kids are on the beach.:D
 
THX1139..... It's really a bit of everything, including your chest size. Speaking specifically of my dealings with Les Tam, you either e-mail or 'phone, and he'll advise as to what would work best for you and for what you'll be using it for/on. TURNER slings will also give some advice as to sizing....... Bear in mind that the 1907 style slings do have a lot of potential adjustment, simply by the design itself. ...... If you do go for one of the better slings, you'll be buying a "shooting aid", and one that will cost close on $100, but will last a loooong time ! So, you might as well get what will work the best for you the first time! ( Probably a longer bottom part will be needed, if nothing else ) ..... David K
 
I was in Maui for my little bros wedding and took off for a day to meetup with Les. Gotta say that hes one of the nicest guys you could meet in the sport. He showed me how he made the slings and what materials went into them. Gotta say that they are THE BEST crafted slings out there after seeing what he went through to make one - takes a week BTW. We then had a bite to eat and went out to the range so he could show me the proper way to sling up the AMU way he was taught. I was ready to shoot through a can of Greek surplus .30-06 through his Garand but was only able to shoot 40 rounds before my weak ass body gave up...he laughed. He asked that I teach as many guys as I can the way of the sling since its a dying art. Great guy and if you can afford one order up a sling while you still can. His supplies of frogs and leather glue are drying up and he soon plans on packing it in as its getting a little tough for him. Right now his waiting list is 6 months :eek:

For his troubles and putting up with all the questions from a nutcase Canuck I gave him a BCRA patch, CGN patch and a V-Bull data book.

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Here is a picture of the AMU way of slinging up...gotta say the adjustments do not move and its frigging ROCK SOLID! Its does however wear the sling out since you do have to have it very tight and doubled over.
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