M1917 Kerr Sling Question

[mazama82]

Over the year I have tried twice to get a proper Kerr sling for my M1917 Rifle. In both cases the sling I received (one from Numrich and one from a guy on E-Bay) seemed too short for use on the rifle. I read somewhere that the Kerr sling was also used on the Thompson, which would have been a shorter version of the sling I believe. Any suggestions as to where I can find a longer Kerr sling to put on this rifle? Or am I just not doing something right. I am trying to follow the directions I picked up from the CMP Forum, which are a copy from the early 1900's of how to use the Kerr sling. But clearly the sling I have is too short to make all of the loops required on the 1917. Thanks.

Information

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[emmagee1917]

Yes , they made at least 3 lengths . Long for the M1917 , Medium for the 1903 , and short for the Thompson . The first two are WW1 era and will have the Kerr markings . The Thompson is WW2 era and is the M3 sling and is not marked Kerr . I have a few for sale over on the Thompson board .
Thompson M3 and Kerr slings for sale - Thompson Submachine Gun Message Board - MachineGunBoards.com Forums

HTH , Chris

[Tom in N.J.]

The Kerr 'No buckle' sling was advertised as "one size fits all".. the M1903, the M1917, and the Russian M1891 (used as a training rifle in the US). I have never seen an original Thompson (M3) sling marked "Kerr". All M3s I have seen were unmarked WWII contract pieces. ..

[emmagee1917]

By the time WW2 started , the patent rights had run out on the Kerr . Not sure if Kerr or another company made the M3s , but yes , they are not stamped .
The long 1917 sling will work on the '03 , but you have to fold the rear 1/2 into thirds . Really slows the rapid deployment function of the sling . The '03 version of the Kerr lacked the loose loop of most ( if not all ) 1917 models because it was not needed . Both versions are otherwise the same ( except for length , of course ) .
Chris

[mazama82]

Thanks to all for your comments. But I still am not sure how to locate a 1917-specific sling. At this point I will even consider a reproduction. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[fjruple]

mazama82--

I just purchased one from "What Price Glory" it a well made reproduction for $25.00.

--fjruple

[emmagee1917]

You can click onto the above link in my 1st response and se the several I have left for sale . Started a few years ago with 50-ish or so .
Be mindful that these are 100 years old , so not as strong in the fabric as they were when new .
The repros from WPG are strong in the fabric and make a nice display , but the metal is soft and will stretch out of shape if you are tight in the sling ( then again , I'm a big husky guy ) on the first outing . Would be fine for carrying and " wimpy , limp " holds.
Chris

[rice 123]

I think some slings came with 2 metal loops and some slings came with one 1 metal loop I do not know the reason why

[emmagee1917]

They never had more than one . Anyone can add more if he wants to , not that hard . Some even added one to a 1903 length sling , thinking it was " missing " .
Chris

[mazama82]

Thanks again to all for the input.