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How to Use a 1907 Rifle Sling

The 1907 rifle sling was produced by the Boyt Harness company when they were initially contracted to produce leather supplies during the first two world wars, according to Rollanet.org. The leather sling was used along with the 1903 Springfield rifle and later on the M1 Garand. The sling was not only used to carry the rifle, but also as a shooting stabilizer. Learning to use the sling for stabilizing a shooting position was a part of U.S. military marksmanship instruction.

Instructions

- 1
  Position the rifle stock on your right leg hip. Cradle the rifle on the inner right forearm.
- 2
  Disengage the upper sling hook and place it in the sixth hole from the feed-end on the long strap. Note that this will form the loop for you to place your arm through. Since body and arm size will vary, further adjustments may need to be made to fit the arm through the loop. For an average body and arm size, hook position is between the fourth and sixth hole on the long strap.
- 3
  Slide the sling upper keeper up to loosen the sling slightly. Unhook the lower sling swivel hook from the sling swivel. Attach the lower hook onto the buttstock sling swivel.
- 4
  Turn the sling toward the left only one half turn. Slide the lower keeper up to form the loop on the long strap.
- 5
  Insert your left arm into the loop. Slide the upper keeper down onto the upper hook. This action will tighten the sling over your arm. Ensure that the sling is tight, but not constricting blood flow.
- 6
  Rotate the sling to position the lower keeper and upper hook against the arm. Grab the rifle fore-grip, positioning the left hand against the stock ferrule swivel. At this point the sling should be laying flat over the back of your left hand.
- 7
  Position your body in your desired shooting position -- standing, sitting, kneeling or prone. Form a V with your left hand's thumb and forefinger. Ensure that the rifle is resting squarely in center of the V as you hold the fore-grip.
- 8
  Position the buttstock against your shoulder and roll it up into your cheek making the stock tight against your cheek. Ensure that the sling is tight, and is helping to stabilize the shooting position.

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