My rifle is sporting a new sling...

[Fred]

That Richard Turner made for my Rod Bayonet 1903. It's dead on accurate as to dimensions. Exactly 52" long like the originals. He even coated the brass parts with an original type finish that was used. I don't think that anyone else is currently making early correct type slings for the Rod Bayonet 1903 Springfield rifles. This type sling would have been used not only on the 1903 Rod Bayonet Springfield, but also on the very first 1905 updated 1903's that were still in the original 30-03 caliber as well as those 03's that were coming off of the assembly line around 1906 and maybe even 1907 for a time. Knowing how slow Army supplies can be, this early first type 1903 Springfield sling might've been used for some while before enough of the new 1907 slings could've eventually been issued for all rifles.
This sling is unmatched in Quality in every way! It really is. If you are wanting the best quality of sling as well as the most Historicly Accurate sling for your collectable rifle, you should get a Richard Turner Sling. You'll be glad you did. I am!





Here is a photo of the Mint bore on the rifle.

[ncblksmth1]

Ill give you three hundred dollars for that ugly rifle and you can keep the sling. LOL

[Rick the Librarian]

I know Turner does excellent work (I have one of his slings on an M1). I have to confess a "prejudice" of not liking to see a brand-new sling on an "old" rifle. If I were you, I'd start keeping an eye out for a good-quality original sling. JMHO, of course. I'm not criticizing the quality of the sling - it looks excellent.

[Fred]

Like this?

I'll likely have the rifle wear the new sling to assist in its aging with honest usage whenever I take the rifle to the 100 yard bench rest across the creek. That'll save wear and tear on the $300.00 original sling. I'm going to load up a mess of 30-03 to the original specifications and shoot some off to see how the old girl groups. I don't imagine that there are very many of those old Rod Bayonet 1903's being fired anymore. I just want to experience it. I'll retain 90 rounds of it to put into the original 1st type 9 pouch cartridge belt and suspenders that I'm getting. Then the rifle will be complete. The 30-03 rounds will be far easier on the rifle I think than 30-06 would be.
In the mean time, I'm just Tickled Pink about my new 1903 sling Richard Turner made for me. It's Perfect!

[PhillipM]

OMG, you're shooting a low number!

Feining shock, just kidding.


Are you using 06 brass? I'm interested in your results and wish I was there when you tested it.

[Fred]

Yes, I think I'll just have the 220 grain bullets sticking out of the neck about 2/10" more than normally so the bullet doesn't have to jump the distance to the rifling.

[Fred]

Ill give you three hundred dollars for that ugly rifle and you can keep the sling. LOL

Sure, OK!

[Duane Hansen]

Nice Slings, both of them! But I'm definately partial to the original sling with the Beautiful rifle that you have there. Thanks for sharing the pictures Fred.....

[Mike D]

Very nice, Fred! And yeah, I wish I could be there to help you shoot it!

Mike