I just bought an 1873 carbine. While I was looking at it I got to wondering about the usefulness of the “saddle ring”. I’m aware of the way the cavalry used rings to attach their carbines to slings, but I don’t believe they were ever issued a ‘73.
I haven’t seen images or read descriptions of civilians adopting the cavalry style sling. They were more likely to keep the carbine in a scabbard or horn loop.
So, my curiosity has me wanting to hear if anyone has read accounts of civilians actually using the ring to secure their rifles, and if so, how? Was it a design requirement for an attempt at a military contract, and then they decided to leave the ring in place for the civilian market?
The term Saddle Ring is not what Winchester called it. Winchester called it the Sling Ring. Here is a earlier discussion about it.
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/srcs-anyone-ever-actually-use-the-ring/
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
The term Saddle Ring is not what Winchester called it. Winchester called it the Sling Ring. Here is a earlier discussion about it.https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/srcs-anyone-ever-actually-use-the-ring/
Bob
Thanks for the links and info. “Sling ring” actually makes more sense.
Here is an even earlier discussion from 2015.
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/how-were-they-carried/
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
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