Hey guys. I searched this on the forum but didn't find anything. I even hesitate to post this question because I feel like it's probably some super simple answer, but here goes. I just purchased a GI web sling from the Appleseed store and it arrived last week. When I got it and set it up on my rifle it is very stiff and will not cinch down well on my arm like the loaners would. Is this just a function of the loaners being worn in? Is it a thing of a new design of the H-buckle? Did I set it up wrong? Is there something I can do to "break it in" that will allow for easier cinch on the "junk" end?
Thanks for your help.
I've tried to include pics, but keep getting an error message. Seems I need all sorts of help today...
EDIT: Got it! Files were too big.
Cotton slings DEFINITELY break in over time. So do a bunch of positional dry-fire drills - it will soften up in a good way.
I can't see how break-in would impact anything at the H-buckle though. A couple suggestions, which may seem dumb since you are an experienced Appleseeder.
Are you sure you have your junk on the outside? If you have it on the inside, it will not cinch or stay cinched. That sounds like the most plausible explanation.
It could also be a clothing interface issue - cotton slings stick better to cotton shirts (or other like materials). If you are wearing a "technical" shirt or typically any water resistant outer garment, you may struggle with it sliding down your arm and not cinching the way it does in summer with, for instance, an Appleseed T-shirt. When shooting and practicing, I test whether my outerwear will "grip" a cotton sling. Remember, get it (and keep it) above the bicep, close to the shoulder, use the "pull, push, pull" method to cinch, and make sure it stays.
The break-in the worst quality slings (not from the Appleseed store, but low quality knock-offs on Amazon) will introduce other issues - I have keepers that do not "lock" (they just pop open without any effort) or are nearly impossible to squeeze closed. Only use them for demo slings, mainly to torture hapless IITs in Gumby roles...kidding!
Quote from: Catch-10-22 on February 18, 2021, 02:30:46 PM
Are you sure you have your junk on the outside? If you have it on the inside, it will not cinch or stay cinched. That sounds like the most plausible explanation.
Yeah, I made sure that it was on the outside and SHOULD cinch down, but the friction in the H-buckle is too much.
There are no dumb questions around here, so feel free to ask away.
The slings from the Appleseed store are presently sourced from one of the best manufacturers, so you've got a really good sling. That said, all cotton GI slings are stiff & rough when new. Whenever I get a new batch of slings, I do a few things:
- Remove the J-hook & the clasp. The only things left should be the metal tab on the end and the H-buckle which is stitched on.
- Toss the slings in the cloths washer by themselves and run it through a cycle. Set it to the longest, heaviest-duty mode it has. It'll sound like you're washing rocks, but it won't hurt anything, and the metal won't rust. The beating helps to loosen up the sling and soften the rough texture. Same thing for the dryer afterward; just wear some earplugs or go out to lunch while they're banging around in the drum.
- After it's dry, reassemble the sling. While putting it together, look over the metal parts. Sometimes there will be a sharp edge that will make it though manufacturing, or the parkerizing on the metal will be super thick and rough. Either of those can be smoothed over with some medium-grit sandpaper.
The clasp should be easier to close now, though you'll want it to be a little tight. Personally, I orient the clasp just like you have it on yours with the tab facing away. That way the smooth part will be what rests against my arm, and if the tab is too tight to open, I just pull outward on the loose end of the sling to lift the tab. One other thing I do (and this is just personal preference) is remove the J-hook and thread the sling swivel in its place. I've found that detaching my sling swivel from the stock is easier than removing the J-hook from the swivel, and it's one less thing to bang around. Of course, the J-hook will have to stay on the sling it it's on a rifle with permanently attached rear sling loops such as an M1 Garand.
You can orient the H-buckle either way, facing the stock or away from it. The orientation will determine the way you need to twist the sling before you slide your arm through for the loop configuration. Try it both ways & see which you prefer.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
P.S. If the loop still doesn't want to cinch down around your arm, double-check that you've pulled the loop from the middle of the H-buckle. It's easy to accidentally forget that step. :)
Quote from: Nashville Stage on February 18, 2021, 05:22:10 PM
There are no dumb questions around here, so feel free to ask away.
The slings from the Appleseed store are presently sourced from one of the best manufacturers, so you've got a really good sling. That said, all cotton GI slings are stiff & rough when new. Whenever I get a new batch of slings, I do a few things:
- Remove the J-hook & the clasp. The only things left should be the metal tab on the end and the H-buckle which is stitched on.
- Toss the slings in the cloths washer by themselves and run it through a cycle. Set it to the longest, heaviest-duty mode it has. It'll sound like you're washing rocks, but it won't hurt anything, and the metal won't rust. The beating helps to loosen up the sling and soften the rough texture. Same thing for the dryer afterward; just wear some earplugs or go out to lunch while they're banging around in the drum.
- After it's dry, reassemble the sling. While putting it together, look over the metal parts. Sometimes there will be a sharp edge that will make it though manufacturing, or the parkerizing on the metal will be super thick and rough. Either of those can be smoothed over with some medium-grit sandpaper.
The clasp should be easier to close now, though you'll want it to be a little tight. Personally, I orient the clasp just like you have it on yours with the tab facing away. That way the smooth part will be what rests against my arm, and if the tab is too tight to open, I just pull outward on the loose end of the sling to lift the tab. One other thing I do (and this is just personal preference) is remove the J-hook and thread the sling swivel in its place. I've found that detaching my sling swivel from the stock is easier than removing the J-hook from the swivel, and it's one less thing to bang around. Of course, the J-hook will have to stay on the sling it it's on a rifle with permanently attached rear sling loops such as an M1 Garand.
You can orient the H-buckle either way, facing the stock or away from it. The orientation will determine the way you need to twist the sling before you slide your arm through for the loop configuration. Try it both ways & see which you prefer.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
P.S. If the loop still doesn't want to cinch down around your arm, double-check that you've pulled the loop from the middle of the H-buckle. It's easy to accidentally forget that step. :)
:yeahthat:
A way to reduce all the banging in the washer and dryer is to put your sling into a lingerie bag.
Quote from: FiremanBob on February 18, 2021, 08:14:04 PM
A way to reduce all the banging in the washer and dryer is to put your sling into a lingerie bag.
I feel like there should be a George Takei gif here. "Oh MY!"
Quote from: Nashville Stage on February 18, 2021, 05:22:10 PM
P.S. If the loop still doesn't want to cinch down around your arm, double-check that you've pulled the loop from the middle of the H-buckle. It's easy to accidentally forget that step. :)
I feel like this might actually be the answer. I guess I need a diagram for how to run my sling through the buckle because I don't remember this at all. (Mind like a steel moustrap according to my wife... or was it a sieve? ???)
EDIT: I googled some images and had a big "D'OH" moment. Got it and thanks to everyone who took the time to try and walk my sorry butt through this.