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Texled K98 Sling
Texled K98 Sling


 
: $79.99

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Product Description
 
Made using American or EU leather Embossed with exact
WWII pattern 		WWII markings Hand stitched
Correct light tan color Our slings darken easily The original, unused sling
used for reference 		Sorry Pat, things weren't always
precise and perfect in WWII
Germany.

American made reproduction WWII German Karabinerriemen. This was the standard issue sling throughout the War and was used on nearly all battle rifles used by the German armed forces.

We use the Texled name on our highest quality WWII German products, and these slings are as close to originals as possible. We tried for years to find a contractor who could make great slings, but ultimately it proved impossible so we had to set up to do them ourselves.

First, we acquired several authentic examples in new or nearly new condition. Then we compared those to the WWII specifications (one of the few things we actually have a document on) and from there created the patterns, chose the colors and decided on exactly which slides and stoppers to copy.

The leather is veg tanned cowhide, sourced from America or the EU. First, we spray the hides with light tan dye from Fiebings; this color was custom made for us after we tried literally every version of browns and tans available and found them all too red. German WWII leather gear is most often a golden tan color- not red brown.

Then we cut it into 24mm wide straps, reinspect them, then run them through the roller to emboss the crosshatch pattern. The stopper cover and tear drop holes are die cut, and all sewing is hand done using with linen thread.

Finally, they get checked one more time, and then the maker and WA stamps are applied.

Fit: These are made for and fit: K98, G/K43, Mkb42, MP43/44/STG rifles.

Size: 24mm x 120cm. (1" x 48")

Color: Yes, the majority of originals one sees today are very dark brown, nearly black. But 75 years ago, when they were new, they were light tan, sometimes referred to as "blond" by collectors. Period slings in unused condition are insanely difficult to find. This leather darkened rapidly, even without them being oiled- the sweat, dirt and oil from the soldiers' hands, plus sunlight, makes this happen.

Markings: We stamp these with a variety of maker codes and WA. However, just like on originals, the markings can be difficult to see- and once the sling is used very much, they will largely become even more faint. It's simply a characteristic of the leather- not a mistake. One of the hardest things to find in collecting is an original WWII K98, MP40 or MG sling with nice, legible markings. Normally one is lucky to even be able to see where the stamps once were, much less be able to read them.

Care: Just use mink or neetsfoot oil. Apply it with a rag, work it into the leather and then wipe off the excess occasionally. Do not fill a can with oil and soak leather anything for hours- most people seem to know this, but there are those special few...

The other slings: Most reproduction K98 slings sell for around $20. The vast majority are made in India or China where the available leather comes from water buffalo rather than cows. The quality of the tanning varies wildly, and sneaking defective leather into customer's orders appears to be a national sport. Most are too narrow (18-20mm), too long (typically an extra 12") have horrible hardware coated in thick black paint, two keepers, and the leather is painted rather than dyed. As a bonus, many vendors save a few more rupees and use urine tanned hides which make your man cave smell like the bathroom at a rest area on I-65. In August. But they are cheap, cheap, CHEAP. If you find ours to be outrageous, there are numerous options out there that are far more fairly priced.


How to install slings on K98, G/K43, and MP44/ STG rifles.
MP38/40's are similar but have an "I" button instead of the stopper.

Push sling through
loop on rear barrel
band.
Guide tip back
through the sling loop.

Then through the
slide.

Push sling through
stock slot.
(Install retainer as
shown.