The reproduction slings are fine. Originals are extremely hard to find "on the loose" and are very expensive. The detachable swivels and parade loops are commonly available but the buckles are not. Buy the reproduction and install it correctly and enjoy. Here are the instructions about how to properly install a sling on the Gew98:
Remove the loop and buckle from the sling and, using the detachable swivel, attach the sling to the plate on the buttstock. Now slide the metal wire parade loop (with the bulge pointing forward) onto the sling. Slide the square buckle onto the sling about 10 inches (this will change later) and run the sling through the loop on the rear barrel band finishing by attaching the end of the sling to the button on the back of the buckle. To put the sling in parade position and do the final buckle adjustment, remove the detachable swivel from the plate on the bottom of the buttstock and temporarily put it through the hole on the triggerguard. Try the parade loop on the small hook on the bottom of the barrel band and adjust the buckle as necessary so that the sling will be taught in that position. When you have the buckle adjusted properly, the process to move from the carry position to parade will be:
(1)Remove the detachable sling from its position in the plate.
(2)Run the parade loop up the sling attaching it to the hook on the front band.
(3)Secure the detachable swivel in the hole at the front of the triggerguard loop.
When you wish to go from parade to carry:
(1)Remove the detachable swivel from the hole in the triggerguard.
(2)Remove the loop from the hook on the front band.
(3)Attach the swivel to the plate on the bottom of the buttstock.
Remember that, when in the parade position the face of the buckle will be against the stock.
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For a picture of the sling in the carry position, see below, soldiers number 2, 4 and 5 in the back row. The first fellow in the back row still has his sling in parade postion, the sling in the carry position has had the detachable swivel moved to the plate on the bottom of the butt stock after removing the parade loop from the hook on the front band:
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Hope this helps.