When were the nylon (seatbelt) slings first used?

Were they used on the M14 prior to being used on the M16? --TIA

They started on the M14s...I'm quite sure.

From Bill Ricca

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Ricca

Nylon slings were produced 1969-1970. The mistake people make is mixing the nylon slings.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._nyl_slg-1.jpg
These were many shades of brown and green. I have the original ordnance drawing and it allowed for 60 variations in color because color was not an issue. The myth is that the green are early, but I have never seen a green inside original wrap, so my conclusion is the production was mixed.

There have been at least six different nylon slings produced under Gov't Contract.

The early one was what is called "Hard Weave" nylon and no other slings were made of the same material. The rest were Soft Weave and a mixture of nylon and web, ranging from 1972 to current.

---

So, Bill...they WERE used on M14s first? Or is this too late for that?

By the dates of manufacture I would say not likely because the M14 had already been phased out by then with the Marine Corps. I think by then the Navy was the only service actually using the M14 in service. I'm not 100% sure though.

The seatbelt slings were issued on the M40 starting in 1966.

The earliest packaged example I have had was 1968.

We had the nylon sling on the M16A1s in basic training 1970. These were very slick nylon and were famous for coming undone at the slide lock, particularly at double time with right shoulder arms. You learned fast to grab the slide lock with your right hand to hold it in place, or suffer the wraith of the drill sergeant for dropping your weapon.

We had them on our weapons (M16A1s) in basic training in 1974. Yep, they were loose and often came undone, usually while marching! More than one poor recruit had it come loose and hit the ground. They would have to hold it over their head with one hand, and grab their "JUnk" with the other hand. They had to double time around the formation (while it was moving) shouting "This is my weapon (hiking weapon up higher), this is my gun (grabbing your stuff), This is for killing, and this is for fun!"