Custom Leather Sling for B.A.R.

[JTFazz]

Made this sling using strips of leather cut from a work glove and metal pieces of helmet buckles commonly used with elastic WW2 helmet straps. I realize they aren't exactly like the real 1:1 two pronged hooks used on WW2 slings, but much better than the elastic or web slings that come with the weapons.

I did use a Dremel to make a sharp point on the male buckle ends so they would hook onto the sling. I made the holes with a hand punch tool.

[laughinggravy2]

That looks very good. Great detail.

[MVSpartan117]

Wow, thats kickass man!

The detail is amazing!

[romedome]

Gawd, that's NICEGreat finescale work!

[Mortar Conn]

Killer BAR-- thanks for the tip on making leather sling.

How do you ensure that the sling is cut to the same width its whole length?

[Hollowpoint]

Nice looking work there JTFazz. Those slings are miles above the stock crap that comes on the rifles.

[Von Cougar]

VERY interesting! looks loads better. another upgrade for the winter break

[JTFazz]

Originally posted by Mortar Conn
Killer BAR-- thanks for the tip on making leather sling.

How do you ensure that the sling is cut to the same width its whole length?

That was very tough. I can't tell you how many times I cut a length that looked like a first grader with dull scissors had done it.

The problem is that the leather would stretch and bind up. I took some liquid (brown) shoe polish and covered the nappy side of the leather until it kind of hardened a bit and limited its elasticity. It also smoothed the soft nap out.

Then I laid a metal ruler down and applied pressure along the length, used a fresh X-acto blade (very important) and repeated.

I just cut the lengths longer than I estimated I would and then just cut it down. I connected the hooks and punched the holes last. Since it was more or less a prototype, I had to sort of work backwards on length.

Next one I do will have to be cut more narrow so it will go through the weapon's swivels more easily. As it is, they are real snug. This width, though, will work nicely with a Garand. Its swivels are a bit wider.

[Lightning Sword]

That sling and the BAR look awesome! Great little tune up for that weapon.

Where do you buy small leather working tools for this kind of task? Micheals? I'm getting tired of using a pin for stuff like that. Not fun.

[laughinggravy2]

I've used that method myself, JTFazz. Another option for making ALOT of uniform-width thong is to purchase or make a "lace cutter". It's basically a handle with different width notches in it and a razorblade closing up the notches. You make a small hole in the middle of a piece of leather, put the tool in it, start the cut and pull the end through as the tool cuts feet and feet of uniform lace/thong. Small ones can be purchased cheaply. I made one for cutting wider pieces.

PM if you want more details.

[MK-23]

Wow, JT, this looks great. Sure wish I could try this for all my soldiers M-1's. Nice work!

[pukingdog]

Excellent stuff, and mighty generous with your technique (rather than keeping it "classified"). The newer DML BAR in particular already looked good, but your sling really brings it up to snuff. Looks 1/1 in several pics.

[RainbowAvenue]

fantastic!

[rottie]

thats some outstanding work JT.
"low carb candy B.A.R."
excellent.

[Crazy Chocobo]

S-S-S-S-S-SWEET!!!!!!!!

[Brave Rifles]

Whoooaaaaahhh, frikkin A. That rocks.

[crisibabe]

lovely, nice work JT.

[XO Sauce]

Wonderfull work.

[sanmusa]

nice!

[JTFazz]

Thanks for the comments, guys... I am now working on another one. This time for an overhaul of an M1 Garand...