Here are some links to potential sources for GI slings. These links may expire and new links may become available. If you find a new link, please post it here.
The best one to get is the rough, scratchy kind of nylon, which is usually black. It is better than the smooth, green nylon, because the smooth nylon slips down one's arm too easily. Which is too bad, since the US gov't issues the slippery kind. (Remember, USGI is now the lowest bidder, not the best.)
Even a new canvas style is better than the slippery nylon, for the same reason. Yes, canvas will eventually rot--in about 60 years. Canvas will get soft in x years, but as long as the cinch latch locks good and tight, will still be effective. Some may prefer the softness. Canvas comes in tan and OD green, and is preferred by collectors for being more authentic.
Whichever one you decide on, the hook may need some work. Some of the hooks are too tight to slide easily over the swivel. In this case, get a small torch (cigar lighters are perfect), heat the "U" curve of the hook until it's red hot, use a heavy screwdriver to pry it more open--carefully, not too much-- and drop it in a pan of cold water.
Or buy all this stuff from NH's new Smithy, Jack, who can also install it for you: foxholster@gmail.com
Retail Links:
http://www.amherst-depot.com/garand.htm (http://www.amherst-depot.com/garand.htm)
http://www.appleseedstore.flyingcart.com/?p=detail&pid=10&cat_id (http://www.appleseedstore.flyingcart.com/?p=detail&pid=10&cat_id)=
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=6849 (http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=6849)
http://treelinem14.com/Slings_c28.htm (http://treelinem14.com/Slings_c28.htm)
https://estore.odcmp.com/store/catalog/catalog.aspx?pg=catalogList&cat=&sfv=sling (https://estore.odcmp.com/store/catalog/catalog.aspx?pg=catalogList&cat=&sfv=sling)
Sweet! Thank you, sir. I've been wanting a few more black slings, and couldn't find them anywhere.
For those of us fortunate enough to live within driving distance of CMP, I just ran down to Toledo and picked up 36 slings at $7.95 each.
For 2012, we're thinking about buying a gross.
JB/FW et. al.,
Nice research. FYI Gun Parts/Numrich has Danish MI canvas slings (#1141000 @ $9.55 ea), supposedly in stock.
As of a few weeks ago their customer counter also has pile o' PA trifolds and an AR15 girl poster...stopped to pick up 2 and 5 rd. Garand clips and shopping list of other items...good people - the counterman was going to take trifolds to his club...
Excelsior,
mad
Service Rifle slings from Creedmoor Sports including 1907 style and cotton web slings in OD and black -
http://creedmoorsports.com/store/home.php?cat=574