Made using American leather	Embossed with exact WWII pattern	WWII "fuq 44" markings	Hand stitched
Correct light tan color	Our slings darken easily	The original, unused sling used for reference

American made reproduction of the late War German Karabinerriemen. Towards the end of WWII, the factories began using slides plated with gray phosphate instead of the blackened finishes utilized prior. My original sling of this type is made by Curt Vogel Lederwarenfabrik in Cottbus, who used the maker code "fuq". For some reason, "fuq" did not stamp their slings with a Waffenamt, so ours are the same.

To make these slings, we start out with 3-3.5mm thick veg tanned hides sourced from America or the EU. First, we spray the hides with light tan dye from Fiebings- this color was custom made for us after we tried literally every version of browns and tans available and found them all too red. German WWII leather gear, when new, is most often a golden tan color- not normally red brown.

After being dyed and finished, we cut the hides into strips 24mm wide (the spacers also had to be custom made) and reinspect them for cuts and nicks. We then run the straps through our specially made roller embosser to imprint the correct cross-hatched design.

The slides are also entirely new, being made from an original, and plated in a gray phosphate finish. These are unmarked like the one used my original sling.

All parts are then saddle stitched by hand with linen cord, just like the ones in WWII.

Finally, we cut the ends, punch the tear drop shaped holes for the stopper, and apply the markings.

Fit: These are made for and fit: K98, G/K43, Mkb42, MP43/44/STG rifles.

Color: Yes, the majority of originals one sees today are very dark brown, nearly black. But 75 years ago, when they were new, they were light tan, sometimes referred to as "blond" by collectors. Period slings in unused condition are insanely difficult to find. This leather darkened rapidly, even without them being oiled- the sweat, dirt and oil from the soldiers' hands, plus sunlight, makes this happen.

Markings: We stamp these with "fuq 44" and inspection marks. There is no WA as my original "fuq" also lacks them. (Several other manufacturers also do not appear to have had WA stamps either- dkk and bla being among them.)

Our stamps are usually pretty clear, but being stamped on the flesh side of the leather, sometimes they are not as clear and crisp as some wish. Once the sling is used and handled, the markings will gradually fade- this is simply a characteristic of the leather- not a mistake. One of the hardest things to find in collecting is an original WWII K98, MP40 or MG sling with nice, legible markings.

Flaws & Blemishes: Please realize that our slings are dyed like original slings, not painted. The finish is permeable, not sealed like the painted things one acquires from Asia. They darken easily with oiling or use. Even laying them in the sunlight will darken the exposed areas. The sewing is done by hand- just like those from the 1930's-40's. Therefore the stitches are not and should not be perfectly aligned and spaced. Lastly, there may be a smudges or drips from dye from when the edges were dressed. Again, traits totally in line with originals.

Care: Just use mink or neetsfoot oil. Apply it with a rag, work it into the leather and then wipe off the excess occasionally. Do not fill a can with oil and soak leather anything in it for hours- most people seem to know this, but there are those special few...

The other slings: Most reproduction K98 slings sell for around $20. The vast majority are made in India or Pakistan where the available leather comes from water buffalo rather than cows. The quality of the tanning varies wildly, and sneaking defective leather into customer's orders appears to be a national sport. Most are too narrow (18-20mm), have horrible hardware coated in thick black paint, and the leather is painted rather than dyed. As a bonus, many vendors save a few more rupees and use urine tanned hides which make your man cave smell like the bathroom at a rest area on I-65. In August. But they are cheap, cheap, CHEAP. If you find ours to be outrageous, there are numerous options out there that are far more fairly priced.

How to install slings on K98, G/K43, and MP44/ STG rifles. MP38/40's are similar but have an "I" button instead of the stopper.
Push sling through loop on rear barrel band.	Guide tip back through the sling loop.	Then through the slide.	Push sling through stock slot.	(Install retainer as shown.