SADF Rifle Sling, Surplus

Here is another addition to our SADF stuff: The R1 and R4 rifle slings. These slings have probably seen real action, and they are not made from pansy ass plastic or nylon, but steel and jute – or something along those lines. Availability is very limited.

Information

The Vektor R1 rifle is actually an FN FAL produced under license in South Africa. It was mostly replaced by the R4, but is still used by some units as a designated marksman rifle.

The Vektor R4 is a rifle designed for the SADF in the late 70’s, modelled after the Israeli Galil (which in turn was modelled after the Finnish RK62). These rifles have seen a lot of use in southern parts of Africa, and accessories for them pop up in the surplus market from time to time. So, we got a small amount of used rifle slings for those of you who have an eye for more mature combat items.

In case you don't have a suitable firearm for this sling, it works with other items also. However, these slings are not fitted with any hooks, so you are going to have to have a little think to get this sling to work as a strap for your super cool duffle bag design. Or just buy suitable hooks.

Features

The R1 and R4 slings only differ by the width of the (end part) buckles and buckle straps, the R1 being wider.

• Most likely these slings are not made of jute, but anyway, something organic, probably cotton canvas
• Steel buckles
• No attachment hooks
• Buckle-to-buckle length max 47.2” / 120 cm, min 29.5” / 75 cm
• Sling width 55 mm / 2.2”, buckle straps R1 38 mm / 1.5”, R4 25 mm / 1.0"

South African Surplus

These slings are used SADF surplus, and some of them have minor damage not affecting the functionality of this item. The scruffy looks are an important part of the spirit of this sort of surplus.