I purchased a Smith Corona 1903a3. My question is; what is the best sling to get for the 1903a3? Cotton web sling or the leather sling that features hooks to make adjustments? I'm asking both from what was historically appropriate as well as what is the best sling for durability. I have avoided putting the leather sling on my Garand, as it looks difficult to make adjustments. Thanks for any information and insights you can provide.
Best sling for 1903a3?
- Thread starter DavidB2
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Steve in PA
Member
Depends what you are looking to do with the rifle. It only matters to you.
I have an M1 Garand, that wears the web sling. But when I got my 1903A3, I went and bought the leather sling.
Are you planning on using the sling for just carrying the rifle around or will it be used for shooting purposes? If you plan on using the sling like they do in competitions, the cotton web sling is easy to set up and use, whereas the leather sling can be a little more difficult.
I have an M1 Garand, that wears the web sling. But when I got my 1903A3, I went and bought the leather sling.
Are you planning on using the sling for just carrying the rifle around or will it be used for shooting purposes? If you plan on using the sling like they do in competitions, the cotton web sling is easy to set up and use, whereas the leather sling can be a little more difficult.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
If it were me, and I did buy this sling for my 1903A3.
https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-...&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+military+rifle+sling
Here is the sling that is on my M1 Garand.
https://www.amazon.com/Garand-Patte...&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+military+rifle+sling
I like the look, the markings are what they should be and they function just like the originals.
https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-...&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+military+rifle+sling
Here is the sling that is on my M1 Garand.
https://www.amazon.com/Garand-Patte...&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+military+rifle+sling
I like the look, the markings are what they should be and they function just like the originals.
Vern Humphrey
Member
The web sling is period-correct for the M1903A3 Sprnigfield. That was the issue sling during WWII, when the A3 was made and issued.
That said, I have M1907 slings on my M1903A3s, on my M1 and my M1922 Springfield.
That said, I have M1907 slings on my M1903A3s, on my M1 and my M1922 Springfield.
Acera
Member
For shooting and good looks.
http://www.mcssl.com/store/turnersaddleryinc/catalog/product/1d6679e82484439e962651e0aec22a7c
http://www.mcssl.com/store/turnersaddleryinc/catalog/product/1d6679e82484439e962651e0aec22a7c
DavidB2;
As was stated, depends on what you intend to do with the gun, how "correct" you want to be, and of course, the budget. Myself, I prefer the 1907 pattern leather sling. I get mine, and I have several, from Turner Saddlery. They are not cheap, but they are absolutely authentic and first quality all the way. Made in the USA too.
900F
As was stated, depends on what you intend to do with the gun, how "correct" you want to be, and of course, the budget. Myself, I prefer the 1907 pattern leather sling. I get mine, and I have several, from Turner Saddlery. They are not cheap, but they are absolutely authentic and first quality all the way. Made in the USA too.
900F
My all-correct 1943 Remington 03A3 came with a gnarly Milsco M1907 leather sling dated 1943 also. I don't know how to use the sling for shooting, and have no need to carry the rifle with it, but it certainly LOOKS like it's 73 years old just like the rifle, and is the perfect accessory for it, just like the bayonet.
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Float Pilot
Member
My Smith Corona 1903-A3 wears a model 1907 leather sling. I was raised on using the rapidly adjustable 1907 leather sling for various shooting positions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTsUaujfiB8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmemFfZO-E0
read US Army FM 23-10
Most 1903-A3s were either used in training or designated as grenade launching rifle. They mostly had M1 cotton web slings that were khaki in color. The OD colored web slings came out at the end of WWII and were most seen post-war and during Korea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTsUaujfiB8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmemFfZO-E0
read US Army FM 23-10
Most 1903-A3s were either used in training or designated as grenade launching rifle. They mostly had M1 cotton web slings that were khaki in color. The OD colored web slings came out at the end of WWII and were most seen post-war and during Korea.
Nature Boy
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M1907 sling
I put them on just about every rifle I own. I finished off my dad's sporterized 1909a3 with a black one that looks fantastic with the gray laminate Boyd's stock.
I put them on just about every rifle I own. I finished off my dad's sporterized 1909a3 with a black one that looks fantastic with the gray laminate Boyd's stock.
maxxhavoc
Member
I agree with everything he said.
I will also add that the leather sling bites into your hand painfully if you use it properly for any length of time. I have never gotten the leather sling to soften up to the point where it got comfortable. And if you are going to shoot timed strings where you have to move between prone, kneeling, and standing, the leather slings take MUCH longer to adjust.
If you are going to use it for shooting, the GI web sling rocks.
shuvelrider
Member
There is also the Kerr Sling, it was used on the Model 1917 rifle. I have one on my 03A3 rifle, which was on the rifle when my dad acquired it in the 1960's.
Flatbush Harry
Member
I have both web slings and leather M1907 slings on my Garands. I would strongly recommend Turner leather slings for 1903A3 or Garand rifles. They are easily adjusted and durable. The CMP website has a tech post that shows how to rig the sling to USGI standard. They are wonderful for match shooting as well as general purpose use.
Harry
Harry
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