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A quick Winchester question

brummiejim
Okay, Experts. Everybody is familiar with some make/version/model of a saddle ring carbine. My question, what was the purpose of the saddle ring? I'll bet there are twenty different answers-- Thanks Jim
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • brotus2
    The saddle ring was so the rifle could be tied to the saddle or used with a special sling. The intent was for the soldier not to be separated from his weapon while on horseback.
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  • Bert H.
    The "saddle ring" was originally referred to as a "sling ring", and its purpose was not to keep it tethered to the horse... instead, it was intended to keep the gun tethered to its owner.
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  • BigLoop22
    Jim,

    As expected, Bert is dead on the money.

    Google CARBINE SLING, then look for the Google image. You will see the sling & its big snap closure. Then, search for CARBINE SOCKET, and you will find photos of something that looks like a rolled-up leather belt. The muzzle of the saddle ring carbine was stuck in the middle of the socket, instead of the gun being put into a scabbard. These two items, in conjuction with the saddle ring, were once used by horse soldiers. Many people assume that the saddle ring is there so you can tie a leather thong to it, or so that you can tie the rifle to your saddle.
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  • brotus2
    According to Gun Tech Dictionary, "A wide, movable metal ring attached to the side of many lever action rifles manufactured during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The ring was used to attach the rifle to the saddle of a horse, in order to reduce the chance of it being damaged by a fall. These were very common on calvery carbines used before and after the Civil War both here in the U.S. and throughout the world. Allso called a sling ring."
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by brotus2
    According to Gun Tech Dictionary, "A wide, movable metal ring attached to the side of many lever action rifles manufactured during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The ring was used to attach the rifle to the saddle of a horse, in order to reduce the chance of it being damaged by a fall. These were very common on calvery carbines used before and after the Civil War both here in the U.S. and throughout the world. Allso called a sling ring."


    May I suggest that you look at some 1900 vintage winchester catalogs, and see what and why Winchester describes it use?

    Best
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by brotus2
    According to Gun Tech Dictionary, "A wide, movable metal ring attached to the side of many lever action rifles manufactured during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The ring was used to attach the rifle to the saddle of a horse, in order to reduce the chance of it being damaged by a fall. These were very common on calvery carbines used before and after the Civil War both here in the U.S. and throughout the world. Allso called a sling ring."


    As Bert stated, the ring was there to keep the carbine with the soldier, not the saddle. The strap was worn over the shoulder and the snap was attached to the saddle ring. The carbine rested in a boot or socket attached to the saddle for easy access. The carbine wouldn't be much good to the soldier if it was attached to the saddle itself, especially if needed in an emergency while riding.

    Here's a pic of a carbine sling and snap:

    pix10600312.jpg
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  • Spartacus
    hey spider,
    where can i get one of those...and a saddle cup....oh yeah, and a saddle ring.......[:)]
    actually, i have a nice leather scabbard on my saddle for the old 94.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by tplumeri
    hey spider,
    where can i get one of those...and a saddle cup....oh yeah, and a saddle ring.......[:)]
    actually, i have a nice leather scabbard on my saddle for the old 94.


    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=145171926

    Dixie also sells them (sling & hook sold separately):

    http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3964

    http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3966
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  • kimi
    Bert, do you have any information on how the "sling ring" morphed into becoming known as a "saddle ring carbine"?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by kimi
    Bert, do you have any information on how the "sling ring" morphed into becoming known as a "saddle ring carbine"?


    No, I do not. If anyone does, I would be very interested in knowing the answer.
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