model 1907 sling. 1907 year of production.?

[mickey0634]

I have a m22 springfield with a nice model 07 sling. I was greasing it down the other day and noticed it is dated RIA 07. Is the sling by itself something special. I tried to post a picture. Hope it works.

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, in this case, year of production. The inspector is Thomas C. Carroll (TCC)

[Fred]

If your sling is sound and not rotting away or damaged, you could get some money for it from a knowledgeable collector.

[GWS]

Yes your sling is definitely collectible. I would not use it as a sling but replace it with a modern one from Turner. I would be interested in buying it if you would decide to sell it. PM me if you do decide to sell. Thanks for the photo.

[CPC]

Is your sling a modified earlier sling or a straight up m1907?

[mickey0634]

How does one tell if this would be considered a modified sling? It looks like my other leather slings except for the date.

[GWS]

In 1907 the Chief of Ordnance and RIA came up with a plan to utilize various obsolete slings and sling parts on hand to produce the then new Model of 1907 sling. An order was placed for 19.000 of these "modified" slings to be made in 1907. Prior to 1907, there were at least 3 different sling designs used for the '03 rifle, one of which was made to fit either the '03 or Krag rifle. The easiest way to tell if your sling is one of these "modified" versions or a standard Model of 1907 design is to measure the length of both pieces and count the number of hole sets on each. The 1908 dated and TCC inspected sling I have has 16 pair of holes on the lower(butt) end and a total of 26 pair total on the upper strap. Lower strap measures 24" and the upper is 49". Length of both is approximate due to age shrinkage/stretching. Check The Springfield 1903 Rifles by Brophy book for more information.

[mhb]

In addition...

you might closely examine the rest of the sling (the other half) for possibly remaining earlier dates and inspection marks. The earlier slings which were modified into the M1907 type at RIA often retain the original dates on the re-worked sections.

mhb - Mike

[Fred]

That sling ought to be mounted on an Excellent and early 1906 or 1907 assembled and unaltered rifle. I've got an idea on what I'd pay for one just like it if I had the right rifle to put it on.

[Rick the Librarian]

That sling ought to be mounted on an Excellent and early 1906 or 1907 assembled and unaltered rifle. I've got an idea on what I'd pay for one just like it if I had the right rifle to put it on.

I have an early RIA that would look nice on, but I don't want to try to "cut in" if someone already expressed an interest.

[mickey0634]

I will get it out of the safe for a look and hole count and do some measuring this weekend. Out of town presently.