USGI Web Sling Installation ?

[Bubba FAL]

I was checking out the galleries on Battlerifles.com the other night and noticed that, in some of the photos, it appeared that a USGI web sling was installed on the rifles upside down. By this I mean, the spring clip was attached to the upper swivel and the sliding adjuster was on the bottom. This is the reverse of what is shown in any manuals that I have seen and would seem to preclude the use of the sling as anything other than a carry strap. I use the web sling on two of my FALs, but they are installed and used as intended.

Is this a legitimate method of installation of which I am unaware, or are the owners of the rifles in question just knuckleheads?

[16R40]

so what if it's installed wrong? it's not going to make a difference of how it works, as long as it doesn't come off the weapon, I see no point in being 'anal" about it.

[Survey Punk]

Allow me to be "anal".
The USGI web sling, properly installed, can be a valuable aid in shooting from position. Detach the spring clip from the rear swivel, push the lower end of the sling up through the buckle to make a loop, take half a turn "outboard" and place your arm through the loop. Slide the loop up high on your bicep and slide the buckle/springclip to the outside of your arm. Wrap the sling around your forward hand and grab the forearm. The sling should lay flat against your hand Take your position and adjust tension using the slide. Unlike a leather M1907 sling this can be done while in position.
If I find a web page illustrating this I'll post a link.

JB

[Bubba FAL]

Gee, 16R40, did I hit a nerve?

If it's installed "wrong", it can serve no purpose other than as a carry strap. In addition, it's dangerous as the slider tab can more readily snag on brush and release the rifle at an inopportune moment.

If you're not going to use the web sling as intended, (which obviously you cannot if it's upside down) why bother putting one on your rifle? Better to stick with the British/Commonwealth Enfield carry strap instead (which, at least can be used as a "hasty" sling).

Besides, it's not like it's difficult to master the intricacies of the proper use of the web sling, personally, I find it more user friendly than it's predecessor (the M1907). The biggest drawback that I can see for it's use in combat is that the lower clip tends to rattle. Not a big issue on the target range tho'...

Then again, maybe it's just my German heritage that causes me to be annoyed when I see tools misused.

[J. Armstrong]

Doesn't tensioning the sling cause a change in POI with FALs due to the 2 piece receiver and front sling swivel on the barrel ? Never tried it myself, interested in your experiences.

[Survey Punk]

JA,
Big drawback to the FAL and AR15 is attachment of the sling to the barrel itself. The AR problem is solved with a "float tube" tha attaches to the barrel nut and fits under the handgards and has a swivle on the front.
you get a big POI shift with these rifles when using a sling for shooting.

JB

[Survey Punk]

Can't find the site for proper use of the web sling. Used to be on Culvers Shooting Page under Lanes Tips.
http://www.jouster.com/guntalk.html
Page 156 of Stevens, Ezell "Black Rifle" shows a 1964 Special Forces trooper with his web sling on his M16 on bass-ackwards.

JB

[J. Armstrong]

DeanD, As a volunteer at an aviation museum, plus numerous other experiences, I can tell you it's not at all unusual ( but still surprising to me ) how unreceptice to suggestions/criticism many museums are. I don't know if it's the " we're the experts, what do they know " syndrome, or the fact that many self-appointed experts come through with bad info, or whether many suggestions, though well-itended, are in fact clouded by time or misremembered, or simply unique experiences that don't represent the "Real" or most common facts of the time. Whatever the cause, it is a pity, and leads to museums turning errors into "facts".While I find it believable that slings got installed backwards, perhaps with some frquency, in Viet Nam, that doesn't excuse the museums' presentation, at least not without a posted "disclaimer" or advisory. As you've seen, even great, prestigious institutions are not immune to this, unfortunately :sad: Your efforts to assist them are to be applauded.