DIY Sling for Service Rifle

[Dirk]

I wasn't happy with my M1907 and was sure I could do better. I thought the M1907 was unnecessarily complicated, can you believe that? Well, it could be they knew what they were doing, back in the day. I can only say I'm glad my leather (purchased on clearance at a local shop) wasn't black. Anyway, its complete and ready to go for today's CMP match. Can't wait to hear my competitors' comments!

Read More

 

[CV-66]

NOT trying to disuade you from your efforts to improve on the equipment. That's what we've all been striving to do since we were born. But depending on the match director and whether this is a match sanctioned by the CMP, you may not be able to use your sling configured as such. Many match directors have been "looking the other way" when it comes to non-safety related infractions though. Enjoy shooting your Garand!

CMP rules 2023
4.4 Rifle Slings
Slings may be used to provide support for the firing position in CMP-recognized
rifle events in accordance with these regulations:
4.4.1 Standard U. S. Military Slings
Slings used on all service rifles must be standard U. S. military issue M1907
leather, or M1 web slings or identical slings of commercial manufacture made
of leather, web or synthetic material.
4.4.2 Sling Configuration
Military issue or commercial M1907 and M1 slings must conform to the original
pattern with no modifications or additional hooks, claws, clips or clamps.
Leather or web slings may be no wider than 1 3/8 inches and no thicker than
3/16 inch. Leather slings may have no more than two keepers no wider than
7/8 inch each.
4.4.3 Sling Attachment
Slings must be attached directly to the front sling swivel; a sling hook may not
be used to attach a M1907 pattern or M1 sling to the front sling swivel. Quick
detachable sling swivels are permitted on the handguard/fore-end and/or
butt-stock.
4.4.4 Prohibited Sling Features
Competitors using Service Rifles (Rules 4.1.1, 4.1.3, 4.1.4) or Alternative Rifles
(Rule 4.1.2) may not use sling cuffs or padded or lined slings. The use of hooks,
buttons, straps or similar devices fastened to the shooting coat to hold the sling
in place is not permitted.
4.4.5 Match Rifle Slings
Competitors using Match Rifles (Rule 4.1.5) may wear shooting coats with
hooks, buttons or straps used to hold the sling in place. Slings used with Match
Rifles may be any type of sling with a maximum width of 3.5 inches.
4.4.6 How Slings Are Used
Slings must remain attached to Service or Alternative rifles in all positions when
they are being fired. M1907 or M1 slings may be configured with arm loops and
used for support in the prone, sitting, or kneeling positions. In the standing
position, slings must remain attached at both the butt-stock and
handguard/fore-end of the rifle and may not be so tight as to support the back
of the hand or wrist. The sling may be included within the grip. The sling may
be used to support the standing position only in the 200-yard stage of the
Infantry Team Match where the sling may be used as a hasty sling without
using an arm loop, but with the sling wrapped around the arm (Rule 5.8.3 b)).
In the sitting or kneeling and prone positions, the sling must be attached at the
forward sling swivel, but it does not have to remain attached at the rear sling
swivel.

 

[Certaindeaf]

NOT trying to disuade you from your efforts to improve on the equipment. That's what we've all been striving to do since we were born. But depending on the match director and whether this is a match sanctioned by the CMP, you may not be able to use your sling configured as such. Many match directors have been "looking the other way" when it comes to non-safety related infractions though. Enjoy shooting your Garand!

CMP rules 2023
4.4 Rifle Slings
Slings may be used to provide support for the firing position in CMP-recognized
rifle events in accordance with these regulations:
4.4.1 Standard U. S. Military Slings
Slings used on all service rifles must be standard U. S. military issue M1907
leather, or M1 web slings or identical slings of commercial manufacture made
of leather, web or synthetic material.
4.4.2 Sling Configuration
Military issue or commercial M1907 and M1 slings must conform to the original
pattern with no modifications or additional hooks, claws, clips or clamps.
Leather or web slings may be no wider than 1 3/8 inches and no thicker than
3/16 inch. Leather slings may have no more than two keepers no wider than
7/8 inch each.
4.4.3 Sling Attachment
Slings must be attached directly to the front sling swivel; a sling hook may not
be used to attach a M1907 pattern or M1 sling to the front sling swivel. Quick
detachable sling swivels are permitted on the handguard/fore-end and/or
butt-stock.
4.4.4 Prohibited Sling Features
Competitors using Service Rifles (Rules 4.1.1, 4.1.3, 4.1.4) or Alternative Rifles
(Rule 4.1.2) may not use sling cuffs or padded or lined slings. The use of hooks,
buttons, straps or similar devices fastened to the shooting coat to hold the sling
in place is not permitted.
4.4.5 Match Rifle Slings
Competitors using Match Rifles (Rule 4.1.5) may wear shooting coats with
hooks, buttons or straps used to hold the sling in place. Slings used with Match
Rifles may be any type of sling with a maximum width of 3.5 inches.
4.4.6 How Slings Are Used
Slings must remain attached to Service or Alternative rifles in all positions when
they are being fired. M1907 or M1 slings may be configured with arm loops and
used for support in the prone, sitting, or kneeling positions. In the standing
position, slings must remain attached at both the butt-stock and
handguard/fore-end of the rifle and may not be so tight as to support the back
of the hand or wrist. The sling may be included within the grip. The sling may
be used to support the standing position only in the 200-yard stage of the
Infantry Team Match where the sling may be used as a hasty sling without
using an arm loop, but with the sling wrapped around the arm (Rule 5.8.3 b)).
In the sitting or kneeling and prone positions, the sling must be attached at the
forward sling swivel, but it does not have to remain attached at the rear sling
swivel.

No wonder kids these days hold their guns sidewards.

 

[Oro]

I am a neophyte/novice at this, but was going to point out what @CV-66 mentioned in his thorough reply.

As a novice, I have found the later M1 nylon slings to work well for me. Much simpler to deal with, and don't stretch like cotton. That's what I have been practicing with. I've also spoke with at least one experienced shooter (tab holder, actually) who told me he likes them and has no preference vs. leather. So that's also a possible option for you.

 

[Pepe-lepew]

No wonder kids these days hold their guns sidewards.

Really all that wording is just a long way to say you can only use a 1907 or web sling. Anything else bumps you to match rifle.

 

[Dirk]

I wasn't happy with my M1907 and was sure I could do better. I thought the M1907 was unnecessarily complicated, can you believe that? Well, it could be they knew what they were doing, back in the day. I can only say I'm glad my leather (purchased on clearance at a local shop) wasn't black. Anyway, its complete and ready to go for today's CMP match. Can't wait to hear my competitors' comments!

View attachment 1435863

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Probably explains why not one of my friend commented or asked about it - they were all waiting to get online and see if the CMP regs had changed!