Cleaning suggestions

A

ActivShootr

New member
I just finished detail cleaning my friends M1917 Eddystone rifle. Now I am down to the sling. I don't know if it is of WWI vintage but it looks like it may have been military issue. It appears to be made out of canvas but I'm not sure. It really needs a good cleaning.

Would a mild soap-and-water and a good scrubbing with a soft brush be ok to clean it?

The owner told me he bought the rifle in the 60's for $13. I offered to double his money. ;)
 
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I would strongly suggest obtaining a new sling. The old one should not be trusted with the weight of the rifle, if it fails the rifle could be damaged or worse. Unless it just going to be mounted for display purposes.
 
I think I've got to agree with drail. Not a good idea to trust an old sling to carry a rifle (don't ask, I don't want to talk about it).
 
If I'm not mistaken, the basic 1907 leather sling design was standard until the canvas web slings were created for faster, more economical production during WWII, during which both kinds were produced. The leather design is by far preferred by target shooters for their greater stability and lower stretchiness.

The web slings must be designed for all weather. Nonetheless, I would use cool to tepid water and Woolite and hand wash one, being careful to avoid twisting or stretching it in the wash water.
 
I washed it in cool water with a light scrubbing and hung it up to dry. It turned out very good with no fading at all. Removing 50+ years worth of grime did it some good I think.
 
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