Hi all,

wondering, were original rifle slings as used by the british in hunting over in Africa canvas or leather, or both maybe. And I have heard that they were attached with thongs to be quiet, anybody have any pictures of slings styled after the classic british ones?

Also, anybody knows who makes them?

What are the chances that the original canvas ones were made out of hemp? (I am saying pretty good).

I am thinking about getting some good 100% hemp canvas and having one made if that would be closer to original. to accompany a gun I am having built.

thanks all

Red

Dago Red,

All you ever need to know is right here.

Well, Red old boy, 'suppose yer could jump through the hoops of havin' a sling made o' hemp canvas, but, don'tcherknow, yer really spittin' in the wind. Just do like I did and get one from Mayfield. It's the complete bee's knees to carry and tells the whole world yer a genuine pukka sahib, especially if yer go to www.tagsafari.com and getcher a proper helmet, what?

.

Dago,

I recently purchased a 2 inch canvas sling from Westley Richards. I use it on my Merkel double (.470 NE) and my Ruger No. 1 in .375 H&H.

Here's the pic from the WR web site:

Havana Leather & Jodhpur Canvas 2" Sling


The one I recently purchased from WR is slightly different than the one pictured here. The leather is sewn to the canvas instead of having the metal loops as shown in the photo. I bought one for a gift a couple of years ago and it looked like the one in the photo.

-Bob F.

http://www.westleyrichards.com/sale/s_leather.php

2 places come to mind:
Jeff's Outfitters
www.jeffsoutfitters.com
573-651-3200

Cape Outfitters in Cape Girardeau, Mo. I don't have the number...

Both of these outfits have several designs of canvas slings and cartridge belts, including the sling that you mention that ties on....along with other African type stuff like the sling eye and hook, instant leather slings for double rifles with the cradle fore and aft, just lots of good stuff.

Cape Outfitters is gone. The Owner died and the widow sold out her wares.

Ray, Jeff's outfitters IS Cape Outfitters!

Jeff bought out the stock of CO, from Don's wife when Don died!

Not all of it yet, Mac, Jeff hasn't got the gun room up and running, yet, but that is coming (he said with bated breath, drooling all over the keyboard . . .).

Not yet!! Mac...

and both are still mailing out catalogs seperately..unless thats changed in the last couple of months..

Note the announcement at http://www.capeoutfitters.com/

I think you were in Africa, Ray, when this all took place. It was within the last few months.