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Posted: 1/13/2015 3:44:26 AM EDT
I posted this a while back here in the Retro Forum and I think a repost might be welcome to some builders here. I made my own field expedient sling to use on my 653 clone. I started with a general purpose strap that I got either from Cheaper Than Dirt or Sportsman's Guide, I don't remember which.
This is the strap I began with. 
Start by cutting off the hooks off both ends of the strap with your trusty Dremel. 
Next, cut two pieces of 550 cord about 12" long. 
Feed one cord through one end of the strap. 
The cord is looped back and the ends tied with some of the inner cord striped form the inside of a piece of 550 cord. 
This is how it should be looking now. 
The tied end is then pulled into the end of the strap to hide the overlapping cord ends. It helps to use a pair of needle nose pliers to stretch the opening to get the knot inside the strap. 
This is the end that is then attached to the front sight base by slipping the loop through the FSB and then feed the entire strap through the cord loop. 
At the rear butt stock, the cord is just feed through the strap and the butt stock and tied in a square knot. 
Finished product. It may not be quite like it was done "back in the day" but, I think it looks more finished than just tieing knots in the cord at both ends. 
I hope this helps anyone who might be wondering how to go about making your own sling. Doc |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 12:55:15 PM EDT
[#1]
Good tutorial Doc, nice work!
Thanks |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 1:02:02 PM EDT
[#2]
I've done three of these since I first saw this in the archives. Thank you for sharing.
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Posted: 1/13/2015 2:21:52 PM EDT
[#3]
I'm glad this got reposted for the new retro generation. You were the one who taught me when I was a new guy round these parts way back when.
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Posted: 1/13/2015 5:46:13 PM EDT
[#4]
I have made a few of these myself - from your old tutorial. Very nice and glad to see it back.
Morg would say - "Use coyote brown paracord on it - looks bad a**  "
Also, I have found you can tie a good tight knot in the small loop and with some patience tug it into the end of the strap. Then just pass the strap through it to attach to FSB. On the stock, I just let the knot show, just as you have. Oh, one other thing I did on a strap that didn't go long enough was braid about 6 inches of paracord on the FSB end to make it longer. Works great. DocMike - you should just re-post this each January to keep it active! |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 6:34:44 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
DocMike - you should just re-post this each January to keep it active! Maybe we can get it stickied since these slings are the most important retro accesory On a side note i actually made one similar to this i use on my m4 when my units in the field |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 7:49:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Maybe we can get it stickied since these slings are the most important retro accesory On a side note i actually made one similar to this i use on my m4 when my units in the field Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
DocMike - you should just re-post this each January to keep it active! Maybe we can get it stickied since these slings are the most important retro accesory On a side note i actually made one similar to this i use on my m4 when my units in the field STICKY THE DAYUM THING ALREADY!
I did a couple using the old thread as a guide but I made the front loop way longer and tucked the knot into the strap. TIGHT fit but IIRCC I wet the strap and shoved a fat pen into it and let it dry to waller the old girl out a bit. 
The longer loop in the front makes "Patrol Ready" carry more comfortable for me. It's a sweet set up for a 651 or a 652! Just ask Morg!
One is currently on my XM177E1 wanna be pistol and the other is on my 652. On the 652 I did the back with sliding barrel knots so it can be tensioned to hold fast in the Patrol Ready position but still quickly drop the loop from around the stock to a rear carry or hasty sling. 
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Posted: 1/13/2015 8:11:49 PM EDT
[#7]
Simply the best sling out there IMO. Thanks again for the great tutorial Doc, and yes, it should be stickied! We have some duplicate pinned stuff at the top of the page that I think could be condensed to allow for a few technical "need-to-know" thread like this. This is the only sling I use anymore.
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Posted: 1/13/2015 8:32:32 PM EDT
[#8]
I've made a couple of these thanks to the original tutorial!
Like the others, I just tied a square knot as tight as I could. |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 9:00:31 PM EDT
[#9]
I have made a few and they work and look great.
If any other members are interested I may be able to get a dozen or so of these cotton straps for cheap from a dealer at the local gunshow, so if there is interest I can pick them up and send them out PIF style. It all depends on if he still has them. |
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Posted: 1/13/2015 9:45:28 PM EDT
[#10]
Thanks for the kind words guys. When I originally wrote up my "how to" I approached the making of the sling with the idea of "how would I make a sling if I was some bored solider sitting on guard duty somewhere with a few supplies and a whole day to sit and make my sling." Anybody who has spent any time on guard duty know exactly where I'm coming from. Sure, I might have over engineered my design but anything to pass the time helps. I'm glad that so many of you guys have been able to take my idea and make it work for yourselves. If my post get stickied, cool. If not, maybe I'll do as suggested and repost it every January.
Doc 
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Posted: 1/14/2015 6:41:49 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have made a few and they work and look great. If any other members are interested I may be able to get a dozen or so of these cotton straps for cheap from a dealer at the local gunshow, so if there is interest I can pick them up and send them out PIF style. It all depends on if he still has them. I would be interested in a GP strap (or a link where to find) to make a sling. Then I would just need some paracord or a supplier to get from. |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 7:17:17 AM EDT
[#12]
I have enough supplies to make 5-6, check your messages
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Posted: 1/14/2015 8:54:37 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would be interested in a GP strap (or a link where to find) to make a sling. Then I would just need some paracord or a supplier to get from. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I have made a few and they work and look great. If any other members are interested I may be able to get a dozen or so of these cotton straps for cheap from a dealer at the local gunshow, so if there is interest I can pick them up and send them out PIF style. It all depends on if he still has them. I would be interested in a GP strap (or a link where to find) to make a sling. Then I would just need some paracord or a supplier to get from. Paracord is readily available at nearly any military surplus or "preparedness" store or on-line vendor, but IM or email your mailing address to me, and I'll send you enough O.D. green paracord to make a couple slings. |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 11:10:14 AM EDT
[#14]
That looks like a gas mask carrier strap.
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Posted: 1/14/2015 2:01:23 PM EDT
[#15]
I was a "RIGGER" and we used 550 cord for lots of things.
Loops on our rigger knives. Loops for the bottom of the mag. sling loops. Thanks for posting this for the newer guys. Ron Note: when we did the rigging using 550 cord for loads on air drops and with the need to use a good tight knot. We used a surgeon knot. It is basically a square knot with an extra loop. Ron |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 6:00:33 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That looks like a gas mask carrier strap. I only know older stuff and it's made the same way but of thicker webbing and the gas mask carrier has the strap sewed on. New crap of course may be different.
Also used as a haversack strap and ammunition bag strap and a ton of other uses. They's called a "Strap, General Purpose" for a reason!
I've used 'em on tons of stuff over the years. I have a large and small tool bag I made loops to attach these to make a handy dandy carryall and toiletry kit! |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 6:39:32 PM EDT
[#17]
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips.
Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 8:44:27 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips. Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. Yep! That's why I made my front loop WAY longer than in the OP tutorial. I'm 6' so I'm not freakishly tall. I'm not all THAT big boned either. It's just way more comfortable for me to ready carry or sling with a longer OAL. |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 9:02:35 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips. Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. I'm 5'8" and don't have a problem with mine. |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 10:02:21 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep! That's why I made my front loop WAY longer than in the OP tutorial. I'm 6' so I'm not freakishly tall. I'm not all THAT big boned either. It's just way more comfortable for me to ready carry or sling with a longer OAL. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips. Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. Yep! That's why I made my front loop WAY longer than in the OP tutorial. I'm 6' so I'm not freakishly tall. I'm not all THAT big boned either. It's just way more comfortable for me to ready carry or sling with a longer OAL. Yep - just make the loop longer - or just add a loop to it. I also make the rear loop longer because I prefer fixed stock carbines, and that gives it plenty of material to reach around the wide end of an A1 stock... |
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Posted: 1/14/2015 11:42:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep - just make the loop longer - or just add a loop to it. I also make the rear loop longer because I prefer fixed stock carbines, and that gives it plenty of material to reach around the wide end of an A1 stock... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips. Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. Yep! That's why I made my front loop WAY longer than in the OP tutorial. I'm 6' so I'm not freakishly tall. I'm not all THAT big boned either. It's just way more comfortable for me to ready carry or sling with a longer OAL. Yep - just make the loop longer - or just add a loop to it. I also make the rear loop longer because I prefer fixed stock carbines, and that gives it plenty of material to reach around the wide end of an A1 stock... As I mentioned - a little braided paracord can extend the length, looks good and is strong. Not quite as floppy as just two strings of paracord when making the loops longer. Just a suggestion! |
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Posted: 1/22/2015 12:40:30 PM EDT
[#22]
I'm acquiring several items to make some of these if there's any interest.
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Posted: 1/22/2015 1:14:15 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep - just make the loop longer - or just add a loop to it. I also make the rear loop longer because I prefer fixed stock carbines, and that gives it plenty of material to reach around the wide end of an A1 stock... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I used one ony my shotgun for turkey season with tape on the clips. Just curious if anyone else finds the GP strap a tad short, even for use with a carbine? When I try to sling it so the carbine swings to my shoulder easily (with the strap around the left side of my neck as I am a righty), it seems a little tight. Imagine with web gear or a vest it would be kinda tough. Even with the stock collapsed. Yep! That's why I made my front loop WAY longer than in the OP tutorial. I'm 6' so I'm not freakishly tall. I'm not all THAT big boned either. It's just way more comfortable for me to ready carry or sling with a longer OAL. Yep - just make the loop longer - or just add a loop to it. I also make the rear loop longer because I prefer fixed stock carbines, and that gives it plenty of material to reach around the wide end of an A1 stock... Thanks, Gents. Will give the longer loops a try. Don't know why I didn't think of that
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Posted: 1/23/2015 10:06:51 PM EDT
[#24]
But if you are going to make one of these give old Doc a shoot I think he still has a few straps left that I am sure he for like to sell
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Posted: 1/24/2015 12:22:02 PM EDT
[#25]
This is some good info.
Make it a Sticky |
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Posted: 1/24/2015 1:31:59 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is some good info. Make it a Sticky Second |
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Posted: 1/24/2015 10:13:39 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Second Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
This is some good info. Make it a Sticky Second Third |
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Posted: 1/24/2015 10:46:20 PM EDT
[#28]
I agree, this would be nice as a sticky. But consider this, maybe its already been suggested, I dunno.
Is it possible to make a sticky folder, and put all the stickies in there? The number of stickies at the top of the retro forum is OK as it now is, but if we add a few more, its getting to be a lot of real estate. Just a suggestion. |
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Posted: 1/25/2015 12:20:30 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I agree, this would be nice as a sticky. But consider this, maybe its already been suggested, I dunno. Is it possible to make a sticky folder, and put all the stickies in there? The number of stickies at the top of the retro forum is OK as it now is, but if we add a few more, its getting to be a lot of real estate. Just a suggestion. What he said........... |
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Posted: 2/3/2015 1:41:11 PM EDT
[#30]
I'm getting closer to having field expedient sling for sale. 20 a piece. It is GP strap and two paracord pieces. One will be 12 inch, one is around 6 inch. I can sew 6 inch loop into front attachment if need be.
I'll have 6 To 8. |
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Posted: 2/3/2015 6:32:33 PM EDT
[#31]
Does the front sight ever get hot enough to melt the paracord? I remember the old formed wire attachment gizmos for the front sight. I have the GP strap and paracord all set to make this sling, but am curious about the amount of heat generated on the sight (semi-auto only...).
Thanks for posting the tutorial! |
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Posted: 2/3/2015 7:57:37 PM EDT
[#32]
Good info, thanks.
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Posted: 2/4/2015 12:02:28 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Does the front sight ever get hot enough to melt the paracord? I remember the old formed wire attachment gizmos for the front sight. I have the GP strap and paracord all set to make this sling, but am curious about the amount of heat generated on the sight (semi-auto only...). Thanks for posting the tutorial! I'll never say that it can't get hot enough to melt the cord but I've never had a problem with it melting. I suppose if you were putting out a large volume of fire it might get too hot for the nylon cord. Doc |
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Posted: 2/4/2015 10:44:24 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll never say that it can't get hot enough to melt the cord but I've never had a problem with it melting. I suppose if you were putting out a large volume of fire it might get too hot for the nylon cord. Doc Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Does the front sight ever get hot enough to melt the paracord? I remember the old formed wire attachment gizmos for the front sight. I have the GP strap and paracord all set to make this sling, but am curious about the amount of heat generated on the sight (semi-auto only...). Thanks for posting the tutorial! I'll never say that it can't get hot enough to melt the cord but I've never had a problem with it melting. I suppose if you were putting out a large volume of fire it might get too hot for the nylon cord. Doc But in "normal" use - plinking, target shooting, etc. it shouldn't be a problem? Good news - thanks again! |
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Posted: 2/6/2015 3:29:00 PM EDT
[#35]
Years ago I picked up half a dozen of these straps somewhere for next to nothing, figuring I'd use them for something.
I elected to attach the paracord to the rifle, tying a figure-8 knot at each end and looping it through the FSB. Did the same thing on the CAR stock. I left the hooks on and slipped covers over them so they wouldn't scratch. I've done this to most of my rifles so I can just clip the same sling on and off as needed. 
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Posted: 2/6/2015 5:29:22 PM EDT
[#36]
schizuki,
What did you use for the covers? |
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Posted: 2/6/2015 5:56:10 PM EDT
[#37]
Nice alternative to Doc's set up.
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Posted: 2/7/2015 9:07:24 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
schizuki, What did you use for the covers? Blue Force sling hook cover. A bit expensive for what it is, but it works. |
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Posted: 2/7/2015 12:40:48 PM EDT
[#39]
Looks sorta like the IDF hook covers, I like it
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Posted: 2/7/2015 1:21:47 PM EDT
[#40]
Note that the M16 and carbine variation guides each have two spots at the top of the page. (duplicates) One under Resource, one under Topics. If we could consolidate them, it would free up room for a 'Recommended Reading' thread where we could have links to stickies like this - a couple other topics already pinned could also find their way into there, freeing up even more space. I can see possibly 4 spaces freed up by doing this. It would be nice to be able to point Newbies to a 'Recommended Retro Reading' thread link.
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Posted: 2/7/2015 8:03:02 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Note that the M16 and carbine variation guides each have two spots at the top of the page. (duplicates) One under Resource, one under Topics. If we could consolidate them, it would free up room for a 'Recommended Reading' thread where we could have links to stickies like this - a couple other topics already pinned could also find their way into there, freeing up even more space. I can see possibly 4 spaces freed up by doing this. It would be nice to be able to point Newbies to a 'Recommended Retro Reading' thread link. Yep^^^Toggle them to keep from being archived and have the links listed in a single tacked thread...would free up some space....and lock it to keep it from being filled up with nonsense |
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Posted: 2/9/2015 7:15:47 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep^^^Toggle them to keep from being archived and have the links listed in a single tacked thread...would free up some space....and lock it to keep it from being filled up with nonsense Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Note that the M16 and carbine variation guides each have two spots at the top of the page. (duplicates) One under Resource, one under Topics. If we could consolidate them, it would free up room for a 'Recommended Reading' thread where we could have links to stickies like this - a couple other topics already pinned could also find their way into there, freeing up even more space. I can see possibly 4 spaces freed up by doing this. It would be nice to be able to point Newbies to a 'Recommended Retro Reading' thread link. Yep^^^Toggle them to keep from being archived and have the links listed in a single tacked thread...would free up some space....and lock it to keep it from being filled up with nonsense Maybe do the same thing with all those picture threads too |
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Posted: 2/9/2015 8:30:53 PM EDT
[#43]
Was asking earlier if it is possible to create a folder at the top of our forum to contain some of these useful or sticked items, so they are all in one place, under one title. Don't know much about the forum's inner workings, if that is even an option.
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Posted: 2/13/2015 2:00:48 AM EDT
[#44]
thanks for reposting this Doc
i finished up a couple of clone builds not long ago that were lacking slings. 
after seeing this thread i picked up a couple of gp straps off ebay. for under 10 bucks both rifles now have slings
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Posted: 2/13/2015 12:37:03 PM EDT
[#45]
Yes! I have been wanting to make a couple of these for a while now...
Thanks Doc for posting the how to! Now I need to find a couple GP cotton canvas slings!....lol |
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