At The Front M1907 Sling, Generation 2
Review Date: 2/24/2013
Author: Chris Guska
Photo from the Normandie ArchiveBackground:
Up until 1944, "the" sling in use for the M1 Garand and M1903 Springfield was the M1907. Even with the new canvas webbing M1 sling entering into combat use in 1944, the M1907 soldiered on through the end of WWII and into future conflicts. The M1907 remains in service to this day in the US Military in a variety of special applications.
Photo from oldhickory30th.comM1907 Slings were made with brass or steel hardware. The brass hardware was blackened as delivered from the factory. The steel hardware would have a phosphate finish. There was a period when both brass and steel was utilized simultaneously on new slings.
Slings were issued and fitted to rifles with no distinction made between brass or steel hardware. As far as the army was concerned - it was simply a M1907 sling. As of the date of publication of this article, there is no known "magic" changeover date from brass to steel. Additionally, the Army, Marines and Navy simply did not "throw out" all existing stocks of brass hardware type M1907's upon introduction of the steel hardware.
As far as "in theater" impressions for ETO, or even MTO - there is no rhyme or reason between steel or brass hardware on Garands or 03's. Do not let anyone tell you that brass is the only correct option for 03's and steel for Garands.
Cost: $50
Delivery: 3 Days via UPS GroundNotes: At the Front no longer sources their US leather goods from SM Wholesale. M1907 Slings are now being made directly at their Columbia, KY location.
These slings are different than the prior offering from ATF. They utilize the same hardware, but the leather and construction is different.
The Reproduction:
Overall:
My first impressions of the sling were positive.
The photos in this review are of the sling, as is, out of the box - no neatsfoot oil has been applied.
Lets look at the hardware first
The hardware is the same as used on the previous run of slings, with exception that it is now parkerized in a nice medium gray zinc phosphate.
Rehashing from last time...
1.) The hardware is the correct shape. Typically, most other reproductions hooks are cut in such a way that the are not offset to hook in and hold the sling properly. The overall shape and bend of the At The Front hooks is "right on" to the originals.
2.) The hardware is the correct thickness. This is the most common flaw with other reproductions. ATF's hardware is quite thick, exactly like the originals. The hooks are not easily bent - and are NOT thin sheet metal.
3.) The hardware is securely and appropriately attached. Everything is tight and feels solid. I like the steel rivets. I think ATF are the only ones that use steel rivets, while everyone else uses copper (cant say i've ever seen an original with copper), or brass.
4.) The ring is the correct size and well made.
Next thing - the leather
The leather is good and dimensionally stiff - it doesn't stretch, which is good for a sling. It feels and smells like good leather. The leather is a good thickness - thick enough to feel sturdy and for the keepers to have some friction, but not so thick that the hooks wont pass through the leather.
The sewing looks good and feels tight. No loose threads. Loop is machine sewn, with the keepers being hand sewn. Where the leather overlaps and is sewn, it is not skived. This can go either way, as I've seen originals that weren't skived.
1.) There is no lateral stretch to the sling. It is real leather and not some other mystery product.
2.) The holes for the hooks are OVAL shape and not circular. The holes are evenly spaced and appear to be gang die cut, rather than halfassed individually cut.
3.) The leather is appropriately tooled along the edges as well as on the keepers. Not all original keepers were tooled as these examples are, but its a nice touch that was exhibited on some originals. The keepers are not skived where they overlap, this is demonstrated on some originals.
4.) The keepers function as intended.
Markings-
There are no markings I was able to find on the sling. No markings = No FARBY markings. A poorly done marking can screw up a perfectly good sling. I have yet to see many repro slings that were marked in a convincing "period styled" way. LESS IS MORE.
Assessment:
The good:
Leather is very good from a materials standpoint
Construction is solid
Hardware is good
I like the steel rivets
Markings = less is more
The gripes:
Thread could be something other than bright white.
On the more expensive end of the scale
Oil:
So what does this thing look like with some neatsfoot oil on it?
Effing Excellent! This tickles my chocolate brown sling fancy.
This is the sling with a single moderate coat of neatsfoot oil. The leather darkens evenly to a rich russet brown color. Really happy with the way it looks and feels.
Summary Pros and Cons
I've previously recommended both the SM made ATF M1907 slings as well as the 2nd's from Turner Saddlery.
I need to see how this sling does with some time and use. I'll update the review then with how I see it holding up.
The hardware is excellent. Out of the box the leather looks OK, with a coat of oil it looks awesome to me.
I really like this sling. I have no reservations in recommending it to any of my friends or unit members.
In my opinion, the only competitor as far as quality and appearance that this sling has is the Turner Saddlery offering @ $62.95 for First Quality, or $42.95 for Seconds.
If I needed a sling in a hurry, or was ordering anyways from ATF, I'd without a doubt chose this sling over the Turner.
