Project Appleseed

I wanted a red USGI sling for my new LTR, so I started with a white sling and dyed it red. Here is a picture of it on my Ruger 10/22 America's 250th Anniversary edition, model 32039. The red sling goes nicely with the red, white, and blue stock.




Here are the sling and dye I used:

USGI sling

Rit DyeMore synthetic fabric dye in Racing Red

One thing to watch out for: this sling is NOT 100% cotton. Use dye intended for synthetic fabrics rather than regular cotton dye. I used Rit DyeMore in Racing Red, but the same dye is available in many other colors if you want something different.

I also taped off the unpainted metal tip at the end of the sling to keep it from being exposed to the water and dye. I wanted to avoid having it rust or change color during the process.

Figured I'd share for anyone else who wants to add a little color to their LTR while keeping the familiar USGI sling.

I've dyed 2 of those for my wife, a custom combination to make hot pink. Regular Rit Dye works fine.

Quote from: Smallbore (Timothy_D) on October 01, 2026, 09:56:19 PMI've dyed 2 of those for my wife, a custom combination to make hot pink. Regular Rit Dye works fine.

Interesting that the regular stuff works. I tried another fabric dye that is supposed to work with cotton, and it did not work.

Switched to something made for synthetic fibers and it worked just fine.

I've only ever used Rit Dye (learned that in a costume  class in college), so I can't speak to other brands.

I have never thought of dyeing them.  hmmmm

We, well actually Chuck, just purchased webbing and made our own.  We bought extra hardware, and on occasions that we couldn't find it, just used hardware from an "ugly" USGI sling.

Quote from: 12 Gage on October 01, 2026, 10:28:28 PM

Quote from: Smallbore (Timothy_D) on October 01, 2026, 09:56:19 PMI've dyed 2 of those for my wife, a custom combination to make hot pink. Regular Rit Dye works fine.

Interesting that the regular stuff works. I tried another fabric dye that is supposed to work with cotton, and it did not work.

Switched to something made for synthetic fibers and it worked just fine.

I did a pink one last night with the regular and it turned out fine. The DyeMore might be preferred (specifically, it might produce a more vibrant color) but the process won't fail on the basis of using the regular dye.

I would speculate that it probably depends on the blend. A more-more-heavily-synthetic piece of fabric turned storm grey in black dye.

FWIW, there's no need to mask. Masking reportedly has mixed effects (ie it doesn't effectively keep the dye out of masked parts of fabric) and the steel parts aren't porous enough to take the dye. There is some light rust that will needed to be carded and oiled.

The regular Rit dye works. It is cheaper to buy from hobby lobby than online.

Parade slings are white and have polished metal parts so they look better.

Wash the sling first.

Follow the direction and go a littler darker than you want.

I have done all sorts of colors. To include a tye dye, that makes an occasional appearance in photos.

MAHA

Quote from: Mahamotorworks on October 02, 2026, 03:13:54 PMThe regular Rit dye works. It is cheaper to buy from hobby lobby than online.

Parade slings are white and have polished metal parts so they look better.

Wash the sling first.

Follow the direction and go a littler darker than you want.

I have done all sorts of colors. To include a tye dye, that makes an occasional appearance in photos.

MAHA

As the recipient of that princely gift, I cherish my tie dye sling.  💜

I used Rit and dyed one red for my anniversary rifle. Following the directions did not produce the desired dark red I wanted so I doubled the "recipe" and it produced a darker color that I liked.