How to darken an m1907 leather sling??

Fusternc · July 26, 2000, 10:11 PM

I have a leather sling I would like to put on my "new" CMP Service Grade M1 Garand, but its a very light tan color. I would like it to kinda match the dark walnut stock on my garand. Anyone know what to use without damaging the sling or rotting it? Specific products and colors would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Nathan....

George Stringer · July 27, 2000, 08:50 AM

Nathan, visit or call a Tandy shop. They have all manner of leather craft supplies. I have seen leather dies in all colors. I'm sure they would carry it. You might also try dye made for shoes. In this the age of Nike dying and polishing shoes is almost unheard of but it is still sold. George

houndawg · July 27, 2000, 09:09 AM

Lincoln or Kiwi brown leather dye. THey are both good. I use the Kiwi to dye my duty gear when it gets worn looking from rubbing up against walls (Holding up walls is the biggest part of being a Correctional Officer). We used the Lincoln in the Marine Corps to dye our boots.

markmcj · July 28, 2000, 07:05 PM

Run down to tsc {tractor supply company} and get some neatsfoot oil. Roll up the sling, put it in a bowl,{I used a old butter bowl,sheads spread}Put enough neatsfoot oil in there to cover the sling, soak over nite. The next day pull it out. Nice deep brown. the only draw back is it's very oily, takes awhile to not have it "greasy" but after a while it will be
fine. my .02

JNewell · July 28, 2000, 07:43 PM

Neatsfoot oil will also soften the leather, which is a big no-no if it's for competition.

Beware, also, that most neatsfoot oil is actually "compound" that contains mostly petroleum oils. If you must put neatsfoot oil on it, get the real stuff (Tandy will have it, as does www.weaver1.com).

July 26, 2000, 10:11 PM	#1
Fusternc Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 1999 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 113	I have a leather sling I would like to put on my "new" CMP Service Grade M1 Garand, but its a very light tan color. I would like it to kinda match the dark walnut stock on my garand. Anyone know what to use without damaging the sling or rotting it? Specific products and colors would be greatly appreciated. TIA Nathan....

July 27, 2000, 08:50 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Nathan, visit or call a Tandy shop. They have all manner of leather craft supplies. I have seen leather dies in all colors. I'm sure they would carry it. You might also try dye made for shoes. In this the age of Nike dying and polishing shoes is almost unheard of but it is still sold. George

July 27, 2000, 09:09 AM	#3
houndawg Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2000 Location: Illinois Posts: 479	Lincoln or Kiwi brown leather dye. THey are both good. I use the Kiwi to dye my duty gear when it gets worn looking from rubbing up against walls (Holding up walls is the biggest part of being a Correctional Officer). We used the Lincoln in the Marine Corps to dye our boots.

July 28, 2000, 07:05 PM	#4
markmcj Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2000 Posts: 136	Run down to tsc {tractor supply company} and get some neatsfoot oil. Roll up the sling, put it in a bowl,{I used a old butter bowl,sheads spread}Put enough neatsfoot oil in there to cover the sling, soak over nite. The next day pull it out. Nice deep brown. the only draw back is it's very oily, takes awhile to not have it "greasy" but after a while it will be fine. my .02

July 28, 2000, 07:43 PM	#5
JNewell Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2000 Posts: 1,092	Neatsfoot oil will also soften the leather, which is a big no-no if it's for competition. Beware, also, that most neatsfoot oil is actually "compound" that contains mostly petroleum oils. If you must put neatsfoot oil on it, get the real stuff (Tandy will have it, as does www.weaver1.com).