1853 enfield sling

[wt_jimbos]

I have recently joined to 2 ACW re-enactment groups in Australia, one is the 62nd NY Zouaves, and the other is called "the blue and the grey" which is no specific regiment, but half the group has formed the 2nd Virginia, I have stuck with a western theater union impression in this group, and for the 62nd NY I don't have a zouave look but have access to a NY jacket when with the 62nd.

I wasn't able to get the english made parker hale from Jim Westburg (I couldn't get it into country for less than $600 US, after customs and tax) , but I'm still getting the leathers and bayonet. I did how ever manage to get one in Australia, but it didn't come with a sling. What sling did the union use for the 3 band enfield? I bought a springfield sling of a sutler as he said it was the standard union sling, but its too small for my rifle unless I modify it.

So what sling did the union use, did they come with a sling, did they ever use different slings, would my modified springfield sling be incorrect? (modified as in have an extra hole punched in it higher up to fit the hook)

[johan_steele]

Jim, the sutler was correct the US made only one length sling and it will fit an Enfield... I believe you make your loop in the back and IIRC it will fit easily, though you may have to take a leather punch and add a couple holes in the sling. I can't recall what I did when faced w/ the situation, we had a young man pick up an Enfield and a short sling I believe all we needed to do was add one or two holes.


Some claim that slings on an Enfield are not authentic, there is evidence to back up both arguments. I have seen no evidence to conclusivly prove that the Union imported any English slings... though the CS certainly did and many of these were captured and reissued.

Hope that helps some.

(Message edited by johan_steele on December 01, 2004)