1907 leather MRT sling question

[Strykervet]

I just got a brand new 1907 MRT sling with the parkerized hooks and copper rivets. The leather is very light in color and stiff. I got it for $30 shipped, so I figure that was a pretty good deal, it came in the plastic with the NSN card (1005-00-714-1245) and it was made in 1985. It locks the rifle up to my body like it is part of me, and that was what I was looking for.

So I want to know the best way to treat it, break it in, and I also would like to darken it if possible, to a nice medium-dark brown, so any recommendations on some kind of treatment would be nice, preferably something easy to find but I'll take any suggestions. This is the first new one I've ever had, so if anybody has any tips I'd appreciate it. The picture shows the color so you get an idea of just how light it is. Like it wasn't really tanned...

 

[pmclaine]

Re: 1907 leather MRT sling question

Anything you treat it with will soften it which will allow it to stretch and you will lose that tight lock up.

That said the commercial vendors all treat theirs. Turner sells a product that is probably similar to Pecards and Ron Brown/Les Tam use a neatsfoot oil.

Military slings get their nice patina from use, sweat, etc. Use a good leather cleaner to keep it clean and let use give it its aging.

I like nice leather also my LMT MWS will sport a Ron Brown M1907 when it arrives.

 

[Brock Golson]

Re: 1907 leather MRT sling question

Wow that is very light! I read on another forum that if you leave it in direct sunlight it will tan. I have never tried this so who knows if it works. Just thought I might pass it along.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: 1907 leather MRT sling question

Neatsfoot oil, not to heavy, will darken it nicely and protect it. High Power trick is to treat it, hang a 5 pound weight from it so if used in positional training, matches, etc you sling won't stretch, changing adjustment. Hang it until dry of course and do the keepers as well.

 

[Mike Hull]

Re: 1907 leather MRT sling question

Another option would be Lexol nf- Neatsfoot Formula(buy it in a 1 gallon container from a leather supply place).
Set the sling into the oven at about 180-200 degrees and leave it there for about 10-15 minutes.
Get a bread making aluminum foil pan and fill it about 1/2 way and immerse the coiled up sling in it for no more than 5 seconds, remove it, wipe it down, and lay it on some paper towels till it dries.
If you leave it too long in the Lexol, it will get very dark, so 5 seconds max.
Unlike true neatsfoot oil, Lexol nf will dry, but leave the sling protected.