M1917 Sling Installation

The .30-06 caliber M1917 was the rifle most widely used by United States troops during World War I. The American M1917 evolved from a British rifle -- the .276 caliber Enfield -- that was outsourced to U.S. factories for manufacture as Britain ramped up arms production. When American involvement in the European conflict became imminent, U.S. officials opted to adapt the British .276 Enfield design for American .30-06 caliber ammunition. The Kerr Standard Extension sling -- designated M1907 -- was standard issue on the M1917, and later on the World War II M-1. The World War I version of the M1907 sling was constructed of leather, with brass hardware and hooks.

Instructions

    • 1

      Orient the shorter extension piece of the sling so the face of the hook is toward the butt of the rifle.

    • 2

      Insert the hook into the butt swivel. Compress the spring, and pass the hook through the swivel.

    • 3

      Snap the hook -- located on the end of the shorter extension piece -- to the square link on the long loop of the sling.

    • 4

      Insert the hook on the long loop into the upper swivel. Compress the spring, and thread the hook through the swivel.

    • 5

      Bring the hook down, pass it through the square link on the loose end of the long loop and bring it back to the upper swivel. Snap the hook onto the upper swivel.

    • 6

      Tighten the sling by pulling down on the outside strap near the upper swivel. Loosen the sling by pulling up on the outside strap near the upper swivel.