Sling for M1873 Trapdoor

[Merc]

I bought an original sling for my M1873 Trapdoor several years ago but never quite got the installation right. Does anyone have the diagram or know how it’s supposed to go?

[Dick Hosmer]

Here's something I wrote years ago which has proven helpful:

The following assumes you have the rifle laying on a table, in the following position:

Butt to left, muzzle to right, bolt or hammer up.

You should have a single sling with brass claw hook at one end, one brass button, and two leather keepers, one larger than the other.

(1) With claw end of sling to left, and finished side facing rifle, place both keepers on the sling, large to your left, small to your right, stitching should face rifle.

(2) Pass the claw end of the sling (finished side towards rifle) through the lower swivel from muzzle towards butt, then back around through large keeper. Leave plenty of slack!

(3) Pass the plain end of the sling (finished side towards rifle) through the upper swivel from butt towards muzzle, then back around through small keeper.

(5) Pass the plain end of the sling (rough side towards rifle) through the larger keeper (inside the loop which is already there) from muzzle towards butt, then around through the lower swivel

(6) Install brass button in slots provided so as to secure plain end of sling around lower swivel. This can be somewhat difficult with a stiff sling - use care.

(7) Hook claw to appropriate set of holes. This will require some manipulation and sliding of keepers to achieve the desired snug fit.

When finished, if everything was done properly, you will have, from left to right:

A. Lower swivel with two loops of sling (finished sides exposed)
B. Brass button
C. Large keeper (stitching towards rifle) containing three layers of sling
D. Brass hook
E. Small keeper (stitching towards rifle) containing two layers of sling
F. Upper swivel with one loop of sling.

[Merc]

Dick,

Thanks for your reply. I included a few photos of the sling. Obviously, the moveable leather keepers are missing and there’s a keeper that’s riveted and sewn on the end that’s opposite the hook. I’m beginning to doubt that this is actually a sling for my M1873.

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[Dick Hosmer]

It isn't - it's for a CW musket. BTW, what are pics 3 and 4 supposed to show? :icon_scratch:

[Merc]

It was more pics of the same sling that somehow zoomed in and resisted all efforts to delete.

CW Sling, huh? Well that’s interesting. I have an M1816 Springfield that it might fit.

[Merc]

I put it on the M1817 Springfield musket and it fits better although it might not be installed properly.

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