Sling dates, khaki vs. OD

[m2carbine]

Hello.... After a lot of research I am unable to find when the carbine sling was changed from khaki to OD? It seems all the older ones are khaki and newer ones are OD, so I have assumed they were originally khaki and the spec at some point was changed to OD. I know that later one, like during the KW, you might have one or the other, but would there have been OD slings in WWII?

I am trying to put together a proper version of a WWII and a KW carbine with the appropriate items on them. I am trying to avoid putting any later production parts on the WWII era carbine.

I was able to ascertain that the plastic handled bayonets weren't made until '54, post KW, but couldn't find equivalent information about the sling.

I am wondering if there are any other items that this same logic would apply to, such as the magazine pouch?

Thanks!

Information

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[ScottR]

Mid 1943 for the change from khaki to OD for the C-type sling.

Scott

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Generally, it's similar for mag pouches, and all the web gear, but if you are looking for a 'proper' date, it's on the mag pouches.



There's really not a set rule for most of the WWII web gear though. They were supposed to start changing from OD#3 (khaki) to OD#7(green) in 1943, but manufacturers used whatever they had, so colors can be all over for different dates. Sometimes they'd even use khaki and green on the same mag pouch. (They really weren't that concerned with making a 'fashion statement')

I'll bet 'Jim4m1s' has a two tone mag pouch in his huge collection. (?)

[Bill Ricca]

The mistake collectors make is they think a pouch or other piece of equipment has to be the same date as their firearm. The pouches and everything else was in one large supply system, so you got whatever was on hand at that unit.

For instance if you were just issued a Brand New Carbine in 1945, you could have been issued a pouch from 1942, 1943, 1944, or 1945.

I am not criticizing those that want to dress their firearm with certain dated equipment; I do it too. It is just that what we have in our minds is not at all the reality of what went on.

[imarangemaster]

I am continuously amazed at re-enactor units that require only Khaki when portraying France in 1944/45. Also requiring absolute "uniformity of color" and conformity. They are creating a "reality" that never existed. As a History teacher, this really bothers me. I look at WW2 pics, and my uncles' and Dads pics, and there was not total uniformity. Civil war re-enacting is worse, as it was less uniform then. I believe in "correctness" but also reality.