Could someone please show me how the proper way to use

[S.B.]

a British WWII web sling for target shooting? Or, is this imposible?
Steve

[Parashooter]

Here's the basic idea, specifically for a Lee-Enfield rifle -


Brits tell me mounting the sling with a half-twist works even better.

If you don't have the special swivel installed ahead of the magazine, it's possible to hook the sling directly on the staple found on many L-E's.


Inclined to come unhooked at inopportune moments!

Another option is attaching a US-style QD swivel to the staple.



Lacking anything else, a piece of stout boot lace or paracord can tie sling to staple.

[S.B.]

Thank you, sir, gives me food for thought. Are rear swivels, with action screw attached, available to replace the front action screw and what would I call this? I've often wondered what that "staple" was for.
Did some research and found most call this accessory a Parler Hale sling swivel?
Steve

[dave]

Early rifles had the mag chained to the staple, I believe. Magazines were never meant to be switched out for a full mag. as a MI carbine or AR. They were loaded with chargers. That was the purpose of the staple. The web sling was strickly a carry device, use as a shooting aid show soldiers ingenuity.

[Sunray]

No hooking slings to that part which is not a staple. And it can break if you hang a sling off it.Has no official name other than 'loop' but it was for the mentioned wee mag chain and later for the breech cover.
Use the sling the same way you would with a 1903. There's more than one "correct" way.

[John Sukey]

Dave, almost correct. It is true that the magazine was chained to the staple, but this was before charger loading. The empty magazine would be dropped and a loaded magazine inserted. The idea was not to lose the empty 5 round magazine.

As you noted, the staple was later moved to one side and used to secure the canvas action cover.

I got lucky years ago and picked up two cavalry carbines with the staple centered

[dave]

That must have been really early! I had a Lee long rifle which had been upgraded and it had the charger added. (I asked you for advice on the price, 350, you said run back with money in hand) Think it may have been a 1887?
Also so there is such a thing as a 'hasty sling' recommend for hunting situations when a carry sling is used. It had a name for a famous gun writer, who recommended it.

[JimF]

. . . . . It had a name for a famous gun writer, who recommended it.

That would be "Whelen Sling" would it not? --Jim

[dave]

I was thinking that but I thought the Whelen sling was a special type, while I was thinking of just using a I piece strap.