What is the correct sling for an LSA Long Lee Enfield dated early 1900's please? Also where would it be attached as there are 3 sling swivels I have a standard SMLE sling dated 1913 but its clearly not long enough to be attached to butt and the Front swivel, but IS long enough to go from buttstock to in front of the Magazine.
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Photos from the South African war show MLMs have a sling from butt to nosecap, and MLEs from butt to middle barrel band. Sometimes both types are seen in a single regiment. A buff leather sling like this one would be fine Martini-Henry White Leather Rifle Sling - Epic Militaria
though prior to going into battle, the leather straps were browned to a khaki colour, using a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If Rifles regiment, then black leather.
The MLM picture shows the Rifles and the MLE shows the Royal Lancasters; both in Natal in 1899 /early 1900.
Interesting thank you. What would a target shooter have used on a rifle like this? I assume that the sling arrangement would have been different than in military service.
Interesting thank you. What would a target shooter have used on a rifle like this? I assume that the sling arrangement would have been different than in military service.
The Bisley Bible of 1913 does not define the type or dimension of sling but in the aftermath of the Great War (1920) it defines length (54 1/4") but not width; by 1926 the allowed width of sling for SB"b" is defined as 1" 1/2" whereas service webbing slings were typically 1" 1/4", I suspect this was to allow for a difference in manufacture across the Commonwealth.
It's also worth remembering that SR"b" wasn't mentioned until the publication of 1919 Bisley Bible.
By 1932 the sling width is still a standard 1 1/2" but the 1949 Bisley Bible records an allowable width of 2" which remains the same today in historic competition; the lack of Bisley Bibles from the late 1930's in my collection prevents me from confirming the introduction of the 2" sling width but if I had to guess it would be either the late 1930's or possibly 1946/7.
Daan,
yes, it is certainly true that mounted infantry when on horseback using a rifle bucket needed either a short strap from the nosecap to the upper arm, as shown here; or a long sling.
PM
Originally Posted by newcastle
