Cleaning suggestions

ActivShootr · October 28, 2008, 12:04 AM

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.

drail · October 29, 2008, 11:04 AM

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.

ZeSpectre · October 29, 2008, 11:44 AM

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).

ActivShootr · October 29, 2008, 05:56 PM

It's mostly a wall-hanger but does see a few rounds now and then.

drail · October 29, 2008, 09:06 PM

I would try to find a surplus military leather sling if you're going to sling it over your shoulder.

**Unclenick** · October 30, 2008, 12:46 AM

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.

ActivShootr · October 30, 2008, 07:40 AM

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.

October 28, 2008, 12:04 AM	#1
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	Cleaning suggestions 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. Last edited by ActivShootr; October 28, 2008 at 01:08 AM.

October 30, 2008, 12:46 AM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,057	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. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

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October 29, 2008, 11:04 AM	#2
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	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.

October 29, 2008, 11:44 AM	#3
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	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).

October 29, 2008, 05:56 PM	#4
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	It's mostly a wall-hanger but does see a few rounds now and then.

October 29, 2008, 09:06 PM	#5
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I would try to find a surplus military leather sling if you're going to sling it over your shoulder.

October 30, 2008, 07:40 AM	#7
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	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.