The carrying sling used on the MP38 and MP40 was, in many ways, identical to the K98 carrying sling, officially known as the “J 216 karabinerriemen” (unit carbine sling). The K98 sling was officially introduced on July 17, 1935, as announced in the Heeres-Verordnungsblatt (Army Ordinance Gazette).

Apart from the “Haltestück” (stopper) or “Riemenplatte mit Knopf” (strap plate with button) and some minor details (see below), the external appearance of the carrying sling for the MP38 and MP40 was essentially the same.

The official description in both manuals leaves no doubt about how to properly attach the carrying sling to the weapon. However, wartime photos show that the sling was often attached in two different ways.

A notable example is the famous “Stalingrad” photograph, which features two NCOs with MP40s (see photo right). In this image, each carrying sling is attached differently to its respective MP40.

Additionally, the carrying sling could sometimes be seen attached to a sling loop that was rotated 180 degrees. Officially, the sling loop was supposed to be positioned on the right side of the weapon. Attaching the sling loop on the left side was unauthorized, though period photographs clearly show this was occasionally done.

Interestingly, I read on a forum that German veterans referred to this reversed configuration—when the sling loop was on the left side—as carrying the MP40 in a “partisan style.”

Credit: ardennes44.com

Credit: ardennes44.com

Credit: ardennes44.com

Credit: ardennes44.com

Post-War and Reproductions

After World War II, the Austrian Army continued to use MP38's and MP40s well into the 1970s. Stolla Wien kept producing MP40 slings, making an almost identical copy of the original Wehrmacht version. However, instead of using the wartime German "cgu" secret production code, they used their commercial logo stamp. After 50 to 60 years of use, these slings are often difficult to distinguish from original wartime ones.

Stolla Wien also produced slings for the StG-58 (Austrian FAL) and SSG-69 (sniper rifle), which closely resemble the MP40 sling. The early version had the same crosshatch pattern, while later versions had a smoother surface. The leather of these slings is a darker brown, unlike the lighter tan leather of the original MP40 slings. Additionally, the length is the most noticeable difference:

• Original MP40 sling: Approximately 115 cm (about 45 inches)
• StG-58 sling: Approximately 137 cm (about 54 inches)
  
  

Despite these differences, StG-58 slings are often sold as original MP40 slings. They are also sometimes marketed as K98 slings when paired with a reproduction Haltestück (stopper piece).

Another type of sling often mistaken for an MP40 sling is the Carcano Carbine sling. These can be identified by their blunt end, instead of the pointed end seen on MP40 slings. Additionally, the Carcano sling is longer than an original MP40 sling.

It is often said that post-war Yugoslavian M56 slings are also sold as MP40 slings. However, the M56 sling is noticeably different, as it does not have a buckle. If you have more information on this, please let me know.