Krag Mills Sling Question

[Bundook303]

I just bought a reproduction Mills web sling for my M1898 from WPG. I was fitting it per the photograph in Joe Poyer's "The American Krag Rifle & Carbine" when I found myself playing around with the idea of improvising a loop sling. It came out something like a 1907 arrangement and the little steel keeper does a pretty decent job of securing the loop around my arm. Has anyone else tried this arrangement? Is there any evidence that Mills slings were used as shooting supports back in the day? I have included some pictures of this arrangement in loop and "parade" mode. So far I like this sling; it seems adaptable (like a pool table). I'll report back after I've given it a work-out at the range.

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[butlersrangers]

IMHO - I don't believe the Krag "Mills" sling was very popular and I gather it did not work out so well in the climate of the Philippines. My hunch is that the 'undersized' brass-end hooks caused the sling to curl, making it uncomfortable as a carry strap.

The period pictures, I've looked at, (Campaign and Range), almost exclusively show leather slings in use, especially at Sea Girt and Camp Perry. It seems that the practice of using the Sling, as a shooting aid around the upper arm, appears in U.S. military matches around 1903.

I have seen earlier photos and sketches of U.S. Riflemen firing 'Trapdoors' from the 'Back Position', with a foot tucked between the taught sling and rifle stock.

I notice, in "Baker's Remarks on the Rifle", circa 1812-1820 sketches of a British Gentleman/Rifleman, using his left hand to grip and tension the sling, while resting his stock on his Top Hat (on the ground) for support in the prone position. (Also shown in Baker's is a 'Hasty' sling in the offhand position and the 'foot in sling' - Back Position).

Your improvised use of the Krag Mill's sling as a shooting aid looks like it should work.

Personally I have avoided getting one. I have utilized the more successful and convenient, (wider 'hooks' and shorter length), British Enfield version of the Mills sling on a Krag 'sporter'. It makes for a convenient carry strap and shooting sling (and it stays flat)!