The legendary Chicom Type 56 sling designed for the even more legendary AK 47 Rifle. Chinese military surplus from the Cold War era, most likely from the 70s-80s. However, similar ones were used. e.g. in the Vietnam War. So, if you need more concrete Nam flashbacks, here you go.

Features

There isn’t that much to say about the functionality and features of such a simple item. Although these are a tad more complex than the modern rifle slings. These are c. 27 mm (1.06") wide canvas slings with a buckled loop at one end and a 14 mm (0.8") leather tab at the other. The canvas is olive drab green in color and the leather parts are brown.

Use

If you got an AK, you need one of these. If you don’t have an AK, you should get this anyway AND and an AK. Even though these are made for the Russian design classic, you can also use them with other guns featuring similar sling mounts, or at least mounts that aren’t narrower than the measurements given above. The canvas loop goes through the sling swivel at the rear and the leather tab is looped through the front mount. See pics.

You should soften the leather tab with leather grease/wax/oil before putting the sling on your rifle. These have been stored in a warehouse for quite a while, so it is possible that leather has become stiff. Some of these are nice and flexible but grease is good for them, too.

Condition

These are unissued military surplus of the People’s Liberation Army of China. So, they are pretty much in as good a condition as decades-old products can be. Of course, it is possible that there are some used ones here as well but they are all perfectly serviceable. The colors can be a bit faded, the fabric a bit worn, the leather a bit darkened and stiff, and there might be some warehouse dust on them, which just gives them credibility. If anything but mint condition gives you anxiety, buy a Chinese copy of the Chinese original. But that won’t be as cool as this.