Slings

[Fenianboy]

Do you you use a sling on your longarm? If so leather or cloth? Or has yours been relagated to "hobo roll" duty?

[Mcouioui]

Re: Slings

I have one in leather on my Enfield, there will not be over my 1842, but sincerely, I sometimes wonder, why I leave him there?! Serves me as it only very rarely, it was there when I bought him, I left him there... ;)

[Michael Comer]

Re: Slings

Nope - don't use them on any of my weapons, they just get in the way.

[5thMIkeydet]

Re: Slings

I keep a leather one on my '61 Springfield. I find its nice to have round on longer marches, or when I have a lot of stuff to carry, or even just standing around. Its nice always knowing where it is, but without actually having to hold it.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Slings

Dido....I have a leather sling on my '61. Sometimes when trying to fiddle with your gear or releave yourself of that pre-march water you've pumped into your system....it's nice to be able to throw it on the shoulder. Don't use it too much though.

[stri volunteer]

Re: Slings

I use one on my P53, not for carrying (which is awkward) but for loading on the march it is easier to hold it by the sling.

[nrandolph]

Re: Slings

Just about every time I'm thinking about taking it off, I get on a long march somewhere and find it useful for a change of position. If you look at the photographs from the war it does seem as though a lot of soldiers didn't have/use slings.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[NM1859]

Re: Slings

Gentlemen,

I try to use the Ordnance returns to determine if the unit was issued and using slings (among other equipment) for their weapons. I would highly recommend campaigners consult these records, in addition to Quarter Master and Camp & Garrison Eqiupment records to guide impressions. While they can make for tedious reading they do contain a wealth of information as to what types of uniform and kit the original volunteers were carrying at different times of service.

Since the majority of my research is devoted to the USSS, you will find a wealth of information in the Caspar Trepp papers (NY Archives in Albany) about the types of equipment carried by the 1st Regt. United States Sharp Shooters. Trepp arrived from Europe, having already served in the Swiss, Garibaldi's and British armies. He enlisted in the 'Swiss-German' company of sharpshooters, mustered as Co. 'A'. 1st USSS. He was promoted to Captain, Major and finally Lt. Col. until KIA at Mine Run, VA Dec 1863.

It is apparent from Trepp's collection of Regimental and Company returns that NM1859 Sharps rifles were issued slings and the men were required to keep them as part of their kit. Inspection reports showed that slings that had been 'tossed away' or 'cast off' were charged against the soldier and replacements issued. The only item that I've found that the men got a 'pass' on was the cartridge box strap plate (the round eagle plate).

While some men may have found other uses for the sling than keeping it attached to their Sharps, the majority appear to have retained it for it's original purpose--or the malcontents reattached the sling for inspections. Photographs of individual USSS during pre-post campaigns of 1863-64 show a predominance of slings attached to their weapons.

Compared to the vast majority of soliders, the USSS from the very beginning were rigorously trained to 'find a rest' 'pick targets' and deliver slow and aimed fire. I have found by using the sling, like modern marksmen do, to steady and support my Sharps when live firing markedly improves accuracy. Unfortunately, there is no information that I've come across to determine if the USSS utilized their slings for the same purpose.

While I don't have extensive 'yomping' experience across hill and dale, I appreciated the ability to 'sling arms' (along with the majority of the Randolf Mess) when we marched as 'Bowen's Independent Rifles' during the Payne Farm event.

Bill Skillman
Randolf Mess-USSS

[Lee Ragan]

Re: Slings

I've used leather slings on both my P-53 Enfield and my '42 Springfield for years. They are nice to have when you need them and no big deal when you don't. I have found that when the barrel gets really hot in a powder-burner contest, the sling comes in mighty handy.

[jschw90]

Re: Slings

I find my sling useful at times. If I find it to be in the way I tighten it up as far as I can so it won't dangle around.

[majdoc]

Re: Slings

The only long arm I dont usualy use a sling is my Sharps, basicly it is very uncomfortable. Use a sling on the Enfield, Springfiled and Smith.

[Secesh]

Re: Slings

I have not used one for years, nor do I miss it one bit.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Slings

Wishing to somewhat shoot some life into an old thread....
There are many pictures out there including federals using slings...but how about confederates? I know armed confederates in theater are not near as common as federals in the field...however, there are some out there.
Does anyone know of records showing muskets issued to confederates including slings (or was this even a military issued item?)??

[Jimmayo]

Re: Slings

Yes. There is a picture of a dead Confederate in a trench at Petersburg. His Springfield rifle is laying above him and has a canvas sling attached.

[Jake Nott]

Re: Slings

I have a carbine sling on is my 1859 Sharp’s carbine for obvious reasons. For my ’42 Harpers Ferry and my P53 I do not use a sling, I was always taught that a weapon does you no good across your back or over your shoulder. I like this picture of the stone wall at Fredricksburg where to me it looks as if 6 out of 6 weapons do not have slings.

http://www.solarnavigator.net/history/explorers_history/american_civil_war_confederate_dead_chancellorsville.jpg

Just my 2 cents.