CMP just made the M1923 Sling Legal in Vintage Rifle Matches!!

[Col. Colt]

I just found out that, after two requests, CMP has made the M1923 Sling legal to use in Vintage Rifle Matches! The M1923 is probably the best USGI Issue Sling, ever, for a full sized Battle Rifle. Basically an infinitely adjustable M1907 in more durable canvas instead of leather, and with buckles instead of hooks.
You can use an original (a bit collectable and spendy) or just order a new production one on Ebay from the Starlight Drum folks.
Starlight actually owns an ORIGINAL WWII Web Gear Factory, and is now using it to build an ever better version of the M1923 Sling. By using post war thickness webbing with a nubby weave, it stays on the arm extremely well - and once you learn how to adjust it properly, it is just as good, and as fast, as an M1907 - but does not stretch or crack like leather. Current price on the new ones is $59.00 plus shipping. (Originals are usually $150.00 and up)
If you need further info, do an search here and on CMP Forums for "M1923 Sling" and read! CC

[champ0608]

I love the CMP and all of their matches, but sometimes they can be hard-headed. Glad to hear on this one at least, they've listened.

[ssgross]

I'm looking at the pictures on https://www.starlitedrums.com/produc...e-AFC-940.html. Can you describe how quick/easy they are to adjust? It seems the loop is a quick flip buckle like the web sling, but adjusting between configurations looks like it involves weaving slack in and out of the other friction buckles (don't know what to call them) - certainly not as straight forward as moving dog ears (or frogs, depending on your branch of service) up and down to different sets of holes.

[Col. Colt]

I'm looking at the pictures on https://www.starlitedrums.com/produc...e-AFC-940.html. Can you describe how quick/easy they are to adjust? It seems the loop is a quick flip buckle like the web sling, but adjusting between configurations looks like it involves weaving slack in and out of the other friction buckles (don't know what to call them) - certainly not as straight forward as moving dog ears (or frogs, depending on your branch of service) up and down to different sets of holes.

As I said, do a search here and on CMP Forums about "M1923 Sling" - you will get your answers. I have used the M1907 for over fifty five years - and once you get good instructions and work with it a few times, you will see that the M1923 can be EXACTLY adjusted to length for a given position, and it will not end up stretching any holes, cracking or degrading, as leather slings do. Plus, the Starlight people went with the "Postwar" thicker web and a nice, nubby weave, which keeps the sling in place better than leather on your arm. Here's one such post:

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=129354&highlight=M1923+Sling

Once you have used it and understand it, you won't go back to an M1907 - I replaced all but a couple of my M1907s with M1923s (tradition/nostalgia look), and am not going back. CC

[Parashooter]

Personally, I find my (original) 1923 sling is a little short for the "shooting" position. I'd need one about 3" longer on the long strap.

Anyway, here's my montage of the various configurations that work -

[ssgross]

Mine just came in the mail! I went with od green instead of khaki. many thanks paratrooper for the pictures above. I played with it for 15 minutes on my own before coming back to this thread to "cheat" a bit - it doesn't come put together like it is in the picture above (it's looped through the lower buckle completely different) . I'll post back some thoughts once I get it on a rifle...so many to choose from...so much extra time whilst locked down and curfewed.

[Roy W]

I just bought one and had it shipped to the Uk for my UK Spec M1D straight pull.

It's well made and does the job well.

However, the British L8A1 sling is another web copy of the 1907 and does the job better IMHO. The buckles on the 1923 are not intuitive until you become really familiar.

Having said that, I will use it for shooting the Garand.

[Col. Colt]

Personally, I find my (original) 1923 sling is a little short for the "shooting" position. I'd need one about 3" longer on the long strap.

Anyway, here's my montage of the various configurations that work -

https://www.milsurps.com/attachment....83&cid=1&stc=1

Just curious - are you tall or long armed? I am 5'10" and have no problem with either Original GI or the New Starlight M1923s. I do know that some folks need a slightly longer sling on an AR15A2 - but on an M1 or M1903, I'm just fine. CC