Leather Treatment, NOS USGI M1907 Slings

[Jay Johnson]

Picked up 2 NOS USGI M1907 slings that were still in their original packaging, one marked MRT 10-86 and the other is unmarked but it's packing slip is dated 7-66. The leather is dyed on one side, but not sealed, and both appear to not have been touched/handled since they were put into clear plastic packaging bags.

How should I treat these slings? I have some clear (kinda milky-white) Danner boot dressing and some Bee Seal Plus boot protector that's yellowish in color, both wax based products I believe, is that the way to go? Also, looking at the picture below you can see one of the slings, the MRT 10-86 marked one, is rougher on its backside then the other, what's the best way to smooth it out like the other sling, can it be smoothed out w/o shredding the leather?

TIA for your advise.

[Clark Howard]

Go to the local tack shop and get some neats foot oil. It will nourish the leather and make it flexible and supple. Regards, Clark

[Bill E]

Pecards, a company that sells leather treatment products, may have something that will meet you needs.

[Herschel]

Pecards Antique leather dressing usually gets lots of recommendations when this topic comes up. It is is like vaseline in consistency.

[StockDoc]

I actually have a can of "Pecards Neats Foot Oil" that my dad bought in the 50's still use it from the same can. Good stuff lasts for ever.

[Jay Johnson]

Go to the local tack shop and get some neats foot oil. Regards, Clark

So treat it like a baseball mitt, I have some neats foot oil. Thanks, Clark.

Anyone know if there's a way to knock-down/smooth-up that rough hyde?

[tmark]

Neats foot oil is good but I've read that if you carry that rifle on your shoulder, the oil may leave a mark on your clothing. I've used liquid silicon on my leather slings with success. I also tried Thompson's weather seal on some. Big mistake. Over time, they tended to get moldy.

[dave]

Some people claim neats food oil is bad for leather over time. I used to use it but switched to Pecards Antique leather dressing. The Neats Foot tends to bleed out and form a white waxey substance on some of my slings. does not seem to be harmfull but don't look good.
Leather shops and there is a mail order company, sell a tool to "burnish" leather which seems yo have been done to one of yours, the other is really "fuzzy" tho, so some other process may have to done first.

[PhillipM]

I'd ask Richard. http://www.jouster.com/forums/member...urner-Saddlery

[Chaz]

I once used neetsfoot on new repro slings and they are forever oily/greasy. I've scrubbed them with saddle soap but they are still oily. Now, I only use Pecard's on vintage slings. It "nourishes" the fibers without making them greasy. But it's your call.

[Duane Hansen]

Don't use any Neats Foot oil or Danner Boot Grease or anything like that on any vintage slings or holsters that you care about. Definately get the Pecard's Antique Leather Dressing and be sure to follow the directions. You apply a small amount at a time and work it in with your fingers and then let it air dry. Then when it is dry, you can put on additional coats. Then buff it with a soft cloth. This is the only way that you will end up a happy camper.

[bobinmich]

I recommend Pecards also.

[Ted Brown]

The use of oils to treat slings will result in the sling stretching and shorten it's life. It's best to just clean when needed with saddle soap and avoid anything else. I've been using 1986 issue slings on my match rifles for over 25 years and they are holding up fine. I have never applied anything to them or even cleaned them. Chances are your slings will outlast you.

[dave]

Pecard's will feel greasy for a couple days if you do not really rub it in. But it soon soaks in and is no longer greasy feeling.

[Johnny P]

Don't use the Neatsfoot oil on your slings. It will soften the leather, but is not a preservative. Some of the late 1907 slings weren't of the best quality leather, and the Neatsfoot Oil will break the leather down, as well as turning it a dark color.

As some suggested, use Pecards and don't use it on the rough side. Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy coat.