Author Topic: Figure 8 slings (Read 10557 times)

MTK20 · « **on:** May 01, 2018, 10:47:12 pm »

Who makes a decent figure 8 rifle sling?

Would this option work well with an AK and who makes one that will fit an AK?

I've been meaning to get one for a while.

WeTheArmed.com

ksuguy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2018, 12:21:10 am »

Creedmoor is probably the best place to find them. You can get them at the CMP too. You can also do something similar with a cheap USGI web sling if you don't want to spend money for the fancier leather one.

We did a lot of shooting like this back when I was doing the Appleseed thing a few years ago. You can use one with an AK, but it doesn't work quite as well. Especially if you use the existing front sling mounts on the side of the gas block. It's definitely better than shooting without a sling, but there is a tendency for it to cant things a bit. I found it works best with rifles that have the sling mounts on the barrel and on the underside of the buttstock, like the M1, M1A, AR, or FAL.

coelacanth · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2018, 09:27:41 pm »

Not only does it try to cant the rifle, the length of the AK platform works against it because thee isn't as much leverage as there is on a longer rifle with a one piece stock. As you say, better than no sling at all but not ideal either.

MTK20 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2018, 09:31:05 pm »

So I need to buy an M1A then?

It would better to be that than an FAL. The FAL doesn't have as good of sights from what I hear.

coelacanth · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2018, 11:47:15 pm »

Umm . . . are you asking me what rifle to buy to fit the "figure 8" sling?

MTK20 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2018, 11:54:23 pm »

Quote from: coelacanth on May 02, 2018, 11:47:15 pm

Umm . . . are you asking me what rifle to buy to fit the "figure 8" sling?

No. This is a gun forum and I've played that game before. Y'all will just tell me to buy both.

Despite loving the FAL, I think for a ranch rifle I'll want the M1A. It does have the best open sights. Then again, perhaps I really should buy both. Decisions, decisions.

Kaso · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2018, 12:34:04 am »

Okay, since you say the M1A has superior sights... Have you compared them side by side?

coelacanth · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2018, 12:52:38 am »

Quote from: MTK20 on May 02, 2018, 11:54:23 pm

No. This is a gun forum and I've played that game before. Y'all will just tell me to buy both.

Despite loving the FAL, I think for a ranch rifle I'll want the M1A. It does have the best open sights. Then again, perhaps I really should buy both. Decisions, decisions.

You could just buy a WWII vintage 03-A3 and put a cuff sling on it like in the OP and have yourself some bolt action bad news . . .

Kaso · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2018, 01:51:29 am »

But could he get one in pink?

MTK20 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2018, 06:36:58 am »

Quote from: Kaso on May 03, 2018, 12:34:04 am

Okay, since you say the M1A has superior sights... Have you compared them side by side?

No, never at the same time. Which is why I phrased it as a question in my previous post. I was asking for opinions on the sights, not which rifle to fit which sling.

Previous post referred to:

Quote from: MTK20 on May 02, 2018, 09:31:05 pm

So I need to buy an M1A then?

It would better to be that than an FAL. The FAL doesn't have as good of sights from what I hear.

MTK20 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2018, 07:14:11 am »

Quote from: coelacanth on May 03, 2018, 12:52:38 am

You could just buy a WWII vintage 03-A3 and put a cuff sling on it like in the OP and have yourself some bolt action bad news . . .

True, I could. I don't believe I've ever seen an 03-A3 for sale around here before. Mosins, Enfields, etc, but vintage American and even German Mausers are hard to come by.

ksuguy · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2018, 10:31:36 am »

I have both rifles.

The standard iron sights on the M1A are better. However, you can get aftermarket ones for the FAL that are similar. Also, the FAL has the edge when it comes to the ease of mounting optics. Either one would be a good choice.

MTK20 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2018, 11:53:25 am »

Quote from: ksuguy on May 03, 2018, 10:31:36 am

I have both rifles.

The standard iron sights on the M1A are better. However, you can get aftermarket ones for the FAL that are similar. Also, the FAL has the edge when it comes to the ease of mounting optics. Either one would be a good choice.

Ah shoot, back to the drawing board then

.

I've always wanted an SLR, but I would just mount an optic, I wouldn't put any after market sights on it.

If I got a Socom or something, optics would be easier, but I want the traditional long barreled M1A with a black or green synthetic stock.

While we're at it I may as well look at the Scar H too. Be on the look out for a new thread in the future, but I feel I'm going to treat myself to purchasing a semi auto .308 soon

.

sqlbullet · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2018, 12:12:59 pm »

Why not an AR-10. Cheap right now, easily accessorized, accurate.

Sorry if I missed something...

LowKey · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2018, 12:15:10 pm »

Quote from: MTK20 on May 03, 2018, 11:53:25 am

Ah shoot, back to the drawing board then .

I've always wanted an SLR, but I would just mount an optic, I wouldn't put any after market sights on it.

If I got a Socom or something, optics would be easier, but I want the traditional long barreled M1A with a black or green synthetic stock.

While we're at it I may as well look at the Scar H too. Be on the look out for a new thread in the future, but I feel I'm going to treat myself to purchasing a semi auto .308 soon .

Is it going to be titled, "My Secret Life as a Street Walker", and you explain in it how you paid for an M1A, SLR, and a SCAR-H at the same time?

ksuguy · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2018, 12:31:41 pm »

An AR-10 would be a solid choice. Just make sure you buy the upper and lower from the same manufacturer if you build one.

MTK20 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 04, 2018, 09:44:19 pm »

I don't really care for the AR platform

. Who makes a good AR-10?

sqlbullet · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2018, 04:47:15 pm »

Quote from: MTK20 on May 04, 2018, 09:44:19 pm

I don't really care for the AR platform . Who makes a good AR-10?

You do!

Seriously, though...don't start building AR's. One day you wake up and realize you have more stripped lowers than you will ever build. And then you build them.

lesptr · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2018, 04:49:01 pm »

Quote from: sqlbullet on May 08, 2018, 04:47:15 pm

You do!

Seriously, though...don't start building AR's. One day you wake up and realize you have more stripped lowers than you will ever build. And then you build them.

Sad, but true. I’m resisting another build.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

LowKey · « **Reply #19 on:** May 09, 2018, 06:12:57 am »

Quote from: sqlbullet on May 08, 2018, 04:47:15 pm

You do!

Seriously, though...don't start building AR's. One day you wake up and realize you have more stripped lowers than you will ever build. And then you build them.

Yup.
Once you have a few under your belt you realize just how easy they are to build...

MTK20 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 29, 2018, 03:00:12 am »

Quote from: ksuguy on May 02, 2018, 12:21:10 am

Creedmoor is probably the best place to find them. You can get them at the CMP too. You can also do something similar with a cheap USGI web sling if you don't want to spend money for the fancier leather one.

We did a lot of shooting like this back when I was doing the Appleseed thing a few years ago. You can use one with an AK, but it doesn't work quite as well. Especially if you use the existing front sling mounts on the side of the gas block. It's definitely better than shooting without a sling, but there is a tendency for it to cant things a bit. I found it works best with rifles that have the sling mounts on the barrel and on the underside of the buttstock, like the M1, M1A, AR, or FAL.

This should fit the bill once I get the rifle.

https://www.creedmoorsports.com/product/LEATHER-COMPETITION-MILITARY-SLING/Rifle-Slings

They don't exactly call it a figure 8, and they don't show a picture of it installed, but it looks to be the same thing

.

Just in case, let me know if I'm looking at the wrong model

.

coelacanth · « **Reply #21 on:** May 29, 2018, 01:55:19 pm »

That should work. Its pretty similar to the one in the OP. Lots of guys make minor adjustments and tweaks based upon their personal use and style but that one is a good place to start learning the art of the sling. Leather dressing is your friend on a new rifle sling. It softens the leather slightly - reducing edge wear and cracking - and gives it a little more suppleness without sacrificing support. I use Obenauf's and have been happy with it over the years. Now, you just need an 03/A3 to go with it.

MTK20 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 29, 2018, 03:05:27 pm »

Thanks guys! Y'all rock!