G/K43 Slings

[simsn]

I want to start by saying that I realize the vast majority of G/K43's were issued with K98 slings. However, in both Rough Forged and Hitler's Garand there is mention of a G/K 43 specific sling. The books seem to contradict each other with which was shorter or longer. Does anyone have an authentic G43 sling that can confirm if its longer or shorter then a K98 sling?

For reference, here is the Gunboards thread that got me curious.

https://www.gunboards.com/threads/g43-slings.1208230/#post-10912474

 

[sturmgrenadier]

There Is a longer sling (5-6” longer) that I have personally seen on both k43s and k98s. The G/43 band (sling loop) is approximately 3” further forward on the rifle than the lower band (sling loop) on the k98, G41, G98/40, G24t. When the sling is properly attached, that 3” variance translates to 6” of sling. Of course a standard sling will fit on a k43 but when fully extended you’ll lose those 6”. When you mount the longer sling on a k98, it resembles a standard sling on a G33/40, the buckle usually bottoms out on the stock before the sling is fully collapsed.

 

[mdarnell19]

Damian, so is it believed that there is an actual G43 sling? Or just another collectors myth?

 

[Brian Kowalski]

Good question. There are definitely longer slings out there being used on k98ks and G/K43s.
One can easily identify a sling that has been originally on a K43..the "bend", when it goes thru the sling loop will be off, as mentioned above.

Did they make a specific sling just for the G43?

Maybe somebody actually has one. If so, post a pic.

 

[Grossekatz]

The one on my rifle is 51 inches. It seems longer than the one on my k98 but I can't get it off the mauser without destroying it.
Is there a consensus as to the standard length? I have seen varying lengths stated.

 

[simsn]

Good question. There are definitely longer slings out there being used on k98ks and G/K43s.
One can easily identify a sling that has been originally on a K43..the "bend", when it goes thru the sling loop will be off, as mentioned above.

Did they make a specific sling just for the G43?

Maybe somebody actually has one. If so, post a pic.

The closest thing I have is page 275 of Rough Forged.

 

[NP2650]

The closest thing I have is page 275 of Rough Forged.

View attachment 287586

The text associated with that photo in Rough Forged seems to be incorrect. The text associated with the same photo used in Hitler's Garands says the G/K.43 sling is the longer one. The text in Rough Forged also states the G/K.43 sling is 8 inches longer.

 

[sturmgrenadier]

If I had time, I’d take some photos to demonstrate both scenarios.

Damian, so is it believed that there is an actual G43 sling? Or just another collectors myth?

Matt, I have no empirical data, just my own experience. I was bit by the sling bug years ago and I’ve always been fascinated by the manufacturers and variations. As Brian pointed out, every genuine sling that was issued and MOUNTED on a rifle will have at least one natural bend in the sling. In my experience, slings will have a pronounced fold or bend in the fully collapsed position or “garrison position”. The garrison position is the way most collectors display them, and the position they would have most likely been stored. I have also seen a subtle second bend or fold in the majority of slings that have passed through my hands; I would call it the extended position or “field position”. As far as variations in length go, the 5-6“ is my approximation. As we all know, leather characteristics and condition can vary greatly due to environmental factors.

 

[mdarnell19]

Thanks for the info. I have not studied slings at all. I was more curious if there was a sling developed specifically for the G43. Sounds like there were two different length of slings. Do we know why? Or is it our guess that the longer one was for G43s?

 

[walther1945]

Hello, WARTIME OR POSTWAR

 

[sturmgrenadier]

Not wartime