How-To Make a Top Sling Loop
An implementation of something I read on AR15-L
The problem is how does someone attach the '
Tactical' sling to a rifle with the A1 or A2 style stock? If try to use the standard sling loop the rifle will flop over and be useless. This is a simple method of using 550 cord to produce a loop on the top of the stock for the sling to attach to (similar to the loop already found on the collapsible stocks). Using this trick just about
any sling could be used to hold the rifle horizontally off the shoulder.
Materials required:
18-24" of 550 (Parachute) cord (note site member Jared noted he needed 36" + of cord to do the job).
Water
CLP (BreakFree or Remington Nitro CLP)
Optional:
Aluminum or Plastic tube 1.25" long (with a hole big enough to pass the cord through).
Tools Need:
Knife
Flame source (match, lighter, etc..)
Instructions:
1. If you plan on using the tube (optional) thread the 550 cord through the tube, and position it in the middle. The tube will provide a rigid surface for the sling to attach. The photos will not use the tube.
2. Tie a loop in the middle of the cord with a simple knot. Bend the cord in half and tie a simple half hitch. The loop should be about 2" long. (see photo). If using the tube, the tube should be 'in the loop'.
Left: The loop (sans tube)3. Wet the cord in the water (soak for a few minutes). This will allow the 550 cord to stretch a bit when tying it to the stock, then tighten when dry. While not absolutely needed, it does improve the fit and reduces the chance of the loop slipping off the end of the stock (important for users of the M16 or the M16A1 stocks).
4. Lube the lower sling swivel generously with CLP - this is to prevent rust from the wet 550 cord until it dries.
5. Wrap the free ends of the loop around the stock, be sure to keep the knot at the top of the stock. Pull tightly and wrap the ends around the back of the sling swivel on the bottom of the stock. Tie with a good square knot. Since the cord was wrapped once around the sling swivel the cord should not move back and forth, but stay in the same place.
6. For added security I wrapped the loose ends back to the top (through the loop) and tie another square knot with a half hitch on either side.
7. Cut the loose ends, and melt the ends with your flame source to prevent unraveling. You might also think about using duct or electricians tape to tape the loose ends down.
Left: The loop wraped around a M16A1 stock and ready for action.
Below: A USGI 'Silent' sling attached to the top loop. Also note the Kreig sling Dongle attached to the stock's sling swivel. The loose ends have not been trimmed in this photo.
