Mosin Slings vs. SKS/AK Slings

[skb12172]

Contained in my arsenal, I have five Mosin-Nagants ranging in manufacture date from 1895 to 1942. I also have an SKS as my SHTF rifle. I have found that the Mosin-Nagant slings are more comfortable and easier to install/uninstall than the SKS/AK slings. Has anyone had a simliar experience? What is your take?

[Dedicated_Dad]

I try to use the M1917 slings on everything I can. Once you learn to use them, you'll never be satisfied with a "regular" sling again. You'll be AMAZED how much better your shooting will be with the "bicep loop" - like using a rest! Keep your "tactical" bipod, give me my 90+-year-old sling tech! Best of all, you can find EXCELLENT quality used ones - ugly but infinitely preferable since they're all broken in for you - at local gun-shops in the "junk" bin. Some I have to repair using a "sewing awl" - often the stitching is dead - but this is a good skill to learn anyway and the result is FAR better than new!! Treat them with some "leather conditioner" and they'll last forever!

The only exception to this is for "CQB" carbines or shotguns - there I prefer a single-point "loop" sling so it can be dropped if necessary...

DD

[ButchS1066]

IIRC, the mosin sling attaches with leather "dog collars" fed through slots in the stock.
I don't have either a Mosin or a SKS, but I do have th SKS/AK sling installed on a few AKs. From what I see the biggest difference is is the SKS uses a rear swivel loop that's mounted to the bottom of the stock, where on the AK it's on the same side as the front loop. I'd agree that installing one takes a bit of effort, but once they're installed I generally don't take them off.

Truth be told I don't find the AK sling uncomfortable, but could see where the SKs might be since the sling runs diagonally down the rifle. Out of curiousity how do you carry an SKS when using the sling?

Since D_D started it, my personal favorite is a Galil sling. Similar to the AK sling in design, but it's wider and has a second swiveling snap hook so it's easily removable. Unlike the cheezy snap hooks employed on AK slings, those on the Galil's sling will support your body weight.

[mekender]

I try to use the M1917 slings on everything I can. Once you learn to use them, you'll never be satisfied with a "regular" sling again. You'll be AMAZED how much better your shooting will be with the "bicep loop" - like using a rest! Keep your "tactical" bipod, give me my 90+-year-old sling tech! Best of all, you can find EXCELLENT quality used ones - ugly but infinitely preferable since they're all broken in for you - at local gun-shops in the "junk" bin. Some I have to repair using a "sewing awl" - often the stitching is dead - but this is a good skill to learn anyway and the result is FAR better than new!! Treat them with some "leather conditioner" and they'll last forever!

The only exception to this is for "CQB" carbines or shotguns - there I prefer a single-point "loop" sling so it can be dropped if necessary...

DD

where is a good place to get some?

[Aegis]

I try to use the M1917 slings on everything I can.

...

DD

where is a good place to get some?

Yes, please. The gun shows around here haven't turned any up for me lately, and the admittedly small amount of searching I've done online has led me to new reproductions for prices that I'd rather not pay ($60+).

[Dedicated_Dad]

Oops. I said "1917" when I should have said "1907." Wonder how many I've missed out on because I asked about the wrong item...

Here's one (extended lenth) for $20 - gotta say though that if you can find 'em stitched instead of riveted they're much better quality. You'll really notice the difference after using a few - the old smelly ones really are much, much better.

OTOH, for $20 you'll probably learn enough that you'll be hawking 'em like I am... The new ones are hard to use because they're so stiff. The prongs don't want to go through the holes... You'll want to oil it and "break it in"...

My "local" (read: 40-80 mile radius) gun-shops seem to have a "new" old (used) one in the junk-box every time I go in. Never paid more than $10 for one.

The last one - just put it on my No4Mk1 - was free! It had no price on it, I asked and he said "hell, you've bought every other one I had - just take it... "

I spent ~20 minutes restitching the end where the thread was rotted... I really think it's the nicest one I have - well used, well oiled leather, most likely made in the '40's... Love it.

WTH - give it a shot!

EDIT: A lot of "finned" mosins have "Standard" swivels on the bands and rear. One of my SKS's has a "inset" bar... Thing is, when you're using the M1907 for shooting the rear could basically be unhooked - the one on my SKS is too short to latch the rear when the loop's on my arm, so I just leave the butt-end unhooked...

Here's a good explanation of how to use it... Pay attention to the "attachment" link at bottom to properly install - I've seen so many not put on right since I learned...