Originally posted my DocMike:
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 by no means the only way you can make a field expedient sling. This is just my take on it.
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