I'm a designated marksman for my Cav Troop in Iraq. Just before we deployed we were issued a number of M14 rifles. These rifles came with a grand total of 1 Mag each and nothing else. As it happens I had a bunch of stuff like cleaning kits, TMs, bandoleers and stripper clips, as well as extra magazines enough to outfit my entire troop.
I also have the issue nylon sling, which I think is a great peice of kit for the range, but stinks for the real world. I need a good patrol type sling for this rifle and was wondering if anyone knows of any. I like the front ready style, but I want to be able to sling up for stability as well. It also needs to be quiet, the metal clips on the issue sling are way too loud and rattle too much.
I'd like to say that I could just unsling the darn thing, but thanks to Hillary I'm now wearing 31lbs of body armor in 100 degree plus weather. I'd also lose the accuracy advantage.
The M14 is big and clunky compared to the M4, but I won't go back if it can be avoided. It's a lot more effective and goes right through the crummy mudbrick they use here. But when you pull alot of static security and civil affairs ops you need both hands free and I don't want to put my rifle down.
Anybody know of any good equipment out there?
I just returned from Iraq in Decemeber and have been shooting and carrying M14/M1As since '64. Your not going to find one sling that does both jobs as you want. Here's what I use:
1. SPEC-OPS M16A2 butt stock sling adapter with magazine pouch. Make sure you get the one for the M16A2, the M4 one will not work. They are available at the larger PXs over there or let me know and I'll get one at Fort Lewis for you.
2. The M60/M240B nylon sling. This is the one that has the wide padded area on it. It is sometimes used on spare barrel bags also.
3. The two "H" keepers that should be with the MG sling plus two more off an M16 carrying strap.
4. A cotton web M14/M1 sling with the quick release keeper on the butt end. The nylon one you have is ok but the web one is much better.
Take the issue nylon sling off the M14. Fit the SPEC-OPS pouch over the butt stock with the mag pouch on the right and the back retaing strap under the hinged butt plate. Tighten the stock retaining straps as tight as you can get them. they will stretch and need retightening from time to time but its easy with the velcro fasteners.
Slide one end of the sling through two of the H keepers and then throught the top ring of the SPEC-OPS sling adapter from rear to front. This puts the running end underneath the sling and you should have about 4" through the ring. Loop the end up through the bottom of the two H keepers. You use two of the keepers to keep the sling from sliding and coming undone.
Put the other two H keepers on the front end of the sling so the running end can be run through them from the bottom. Straighten the sling out as it would be over your shoulder and lay the front end of the sling over the top of the handguard to the right just behind the front sling swivel. Run the sling end through the swivel rear to front and bring it around the left side of the stock. Run the end through the bottom of the both H keepers. I keep the loop around the forend tight and adjust the length of the sling at the back.
With the sling adjusted out all the way the rifle hangs low over the front of the IBA and associated pouches afixed to it. I carry the rifle with the sling over my right shoulder and the muzzle down to the left. This leaves my right arm free of the sling. The rifle comes up into the pocket for quick mounting this way.
The shooting sling; I leave this free of the rifle until need and store it in the magazine pouch of the SPEC-OPS sling adapter, that way it is readily available and always with the rifle. You are only going to use this sling when precissin shooting so it's only fastened to the front swivel of the rifle. and looped around your left arm. You are going to use the sling backwards with the spring quick release keeper hooke from rear to front through the front sling swivel. I marked the sling for the sling adjuster position as a quick reference. In use the sling is removed from the pouch and the sling keeper loosened forming a loop for the arm. The arm is put through the loop and the sling position up around the top of the bicep. The sling is tightened to the premarked position and the lever closed on the sling keeper securing the loop to the upper arm. With the left had the spring keeper is fastened through the front swivel rear to front. the left hand then crossed over the sling and grasps the forend as I snuggle into shooting position. It goes pretty fast if set up correctly in advance. Of course you must practice until you are blue in the face.
That's it, let me know if I can be of further assistance. Keep safe and remember; sight alignment, sight picture and smooth trigger pull.
Larry Gibson
