Sling attachment guidance for the U.S. Model 1917 Enfield. Check your exact configuration and both connectors before choosing the McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS). Factory attachment points do not by themselves confirm a direct fit.
Front attachment
Lower band swivel — factory attachment point.
The War Department Soldier's Handbook for the Model of 1917 lists a lower band swivel among the parts every soldier must know. That swivel is the forward sling attachment. The stacking swivel on the upper band is a separate fitting and is not the sling point.
Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
Rear attachment
Butt swivel — factory attachment point.
The same handbook lists a butt swivel on the Model of 1917 stock. It is a fixed swivel, not a stud or a QD socket. A sporterized rifle or a replacement stock must be checked for the hardware actually installed.
Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
Why this sling on the U.S. Model 1917 Enfield
Lever-action and traditional rifle stocks can have fitted swivels, bare studs or no sling base. Establish the correct attachments first, then choose a carry setup that remains comfortable while walking and keeps excess strap controlled.
The McLean design is a two-point sling with a patented retention system: it cinches tight to hold the rifle against your body hands-free, then releases into a ready position in one pull. It ships in one size and adjusts, so there is no length to choose.
Fitting it
- Clear the rifle. Unload and clear it following the firearm manufacturer’s instructions before fitting any accessories.
- Front: confirm a compatible connector and follow the sling and attachment manufacturer instructions.
- Rear: confirm the matching connector for your stock or rear attachment; do not assume a slot, stud and QD cup are interchangeable.
- Adjust wearing your kit. A setting dialled in without a vest comes up short once it is on.
- Check the transition. It should shoulder without pulling tight across your chest.
Choosing hardware for your configuration
Many Model 1917 rifles were rebuilt, restocked or sporterized after service. The handbook describes the issue rifle, so use it to identify the original arrangement and then compare it with the rifle in front of you.
The handbook does not give the opening size of either swivel. Measure both before choosing a connector for a modern carry sling. The British Pattern 1914 is a related rifle and should be checked on its own fittings.
Questions
Does the McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS) fit the U.S. Model 1917 Enfield?
Compatibility depends on the exact configuration and connectors. Confirm both attachment points and the connector fit before ordering. A factory attachment point does not by itself confirm a direct fit for the McLean sling.
Do I need a snap hook for the front of my U.S. Model 1917 Enfield?
The McLean sling already carries a front hook. Choose a compatible attachment loop or swivel for that hook, and confirm its clearance and closure on your exact setup before buying additional hardware.
What do I need to buy for the U.S. Model 1917 Enfield?
Front: Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance. Rear: Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
What length sling do I need for the U.S. Model 1917 Enfield?
There is no length to choose. The sling ships in one size and adjusts, so the same sling covers carry and cinched retention. Set it wearing the kit you actually carry in — a setting dialled in without a vest or heavy coat comes up short once it is on.
Manufacturer and attachment references
Other firearms we have fitment for
FN SCAR
Springfield Armory M1A
M1 Garand
M1 Carbine
HK G3 / HK91
FN FAL
Springfield M1903
Firearm photos: U.S. Model 1917 Enfield — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum), Public domain (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); FN SCAR — Defense Technical Information Center, Public domain (Background removed with segmentation and reviewed manual mask corrections; subject cropped, proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); Springfield Armory M1A — Stag1500 at English Wikipedia (Original text: Michael Sullivan), Public domain (Background removed with segmentation and reviewed manual mask corrections; subject cropped, proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); M1 Garand — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum), CC BY-SA 4.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); M1 Carbine — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rama, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); HK G3 / HK91 — Harald Hansen, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); FN FAL — Esquerroa, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); Springfield M1903 — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) through the Digital Museum ( http://www.digitaltmuseum.se )., CC BY-SA 3.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.).
