Is this a French Mas 36 Sling?

GColloton · Dec 9, 2020

I just picked up a “K” series Mas 36, which I believe is 1940. I’d like to put a correct sling on it. I’d prefer an original time period correct sling, but since that’s most likely priced high and this rifle was probably re-arsenaled, maybe this would work?

Is this a Mas 36 sling? It’s about 50” long.
I picked it up with a couple other slings and didn’t have a use for it previously. If so, when was it used? If not, what rifle does it go to?

The back “raw” side of leather has a white appearance. I had “white” on the raw side of an original Garand sling and an original Carcano sling. What is that white or what causes it?

Here’s the rifle I just got. I’m sure there’s a lot nicer out there, but I’m really digging it. It’s all matching too.

bokila · Dec 9, 2020

it does not look like a MAS36 sling to me - look at this one and compare the ends to begin with

GColloton · Dec 10, 2020

bokila said:
it does not look like a MAS36 sling to me - look at this one and compare the ends to begin with

View attachment 3770821

Your sling looks very similar to a couple I found that already sold on eBay. Those went for $200-$300, but those looked 75 years old. My “buckle” is more square than rectangle. Hmmm.

staffy · Dec 10, 2020

www.libertytreecollectors have slings from $12 - $42 depending on early or late production.

Mike Rockhill · Dec 10, 2020

This sling looks like the 1" wide basic sling seen on some mas 45 trainers. The full size rifle slings (1.25" wide) don't always step down in width at the buttoned end but they do feature the protective flap. Buckles are usually black painted steel, but I have a brass one as well. The sling studs are also usually painted steel but brass or black plastic is also pretty common. I presume the plastic would be a later feature.

Markings on the back can be hit and miss. Most have few markings. Some have faint ink roundels or NSN numbers. Id guess the NSN (NATO stock number) are a much later feature, found on the yellowish tan slings. The marks I have seen have been relatively faint so I dont expect they last long under use.

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72 usmc · Dec 10, 2020

Mike has it right . Most are found on Mas 45 .22 training rifles. see

French Mystery Sling

If you need an early brass buckle see a nice picture for reference: French Lebel Breathier MAS 36 Sling Natural BRASS Buckle

Lots of original black buckle slings offered cheeper. French slings are still under $50.

Is this a French Mas 36 Sling?

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