"Possible origin of the bag strap found"
http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9875" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In that thread, Ace pointed out this HK rifle sling on Tapco:
http://www.tapco.com/product_informatio" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... =&back=yes
Well, they cost $2 each, but shipping is $9, so I ordered 5, grand total ~$20 US. (I believe IndyBlues may have done the same.)
I'm glad I ordered a bunch - there is a bit of variation in color and finish, but I'll get to that. First and foremost, a pic - WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS LENGTH? (EDIT: The reason for the odd pose is I'm not done modifying this bag yet, so there is nowhere for the strap to latch on the back, I'm holding it where it would attach.)
Measuring out the whole length, minus the necessary fold of each end, I get 55" on this. So I didn't think it would be long enough, but gee, that looks good to me! They said they went as long as 84" but those were out of stock. (EDIT: In that pic I have the strap adjusted to be about 46" length, so the buckle still lands on my chest.)
Compare how these sit, and note that the HF shot is slightly upward looking, whereas I can't hold a camera that low:
(No, I wasn't trying to stand in front of that shower stall like it was the pillar in the Well Of Souls...but eerie (and yet ridiculous) contrast, don't you think?
Now, this is where it gets interesting. I've got close-ups for you.
First, the buckles are all consistent across the five I got. But the color is NOT, nor the finish. Some are glossier, some flat. Some have racing channels, some don't. Only two of them still had their leather keepers on them, and one was turned inside out. (IndyBlues - Did you get yours yet and did you find the same was true regarding the different colors/finishes?)
Note that these buckles are all 1" by 1 3/8". The straps are 1" wide. Some are a bit glossier than others here, but lying on the floor right now in normal light they all look about the same...like a ball of snakes...ew.
In the first pic in this post, the 'pose', I'm wearing the one that is the second from the right of those five - the one w/ the rumple in it, cause I was playing w/ the length.
The buckles are very consistent, though - look at the side view. They are all bowed the same way:
Last pic - these are the ends of the straps, so you can see the post stud. I thought some had ball head, and some a disc head, till I flipped them to show you the backs - and realized all the stud posts are the same, some are just in the other way - but all of these can be flipped:
So - actual old HK rifle slings, pre-distressed naturally - I have NO idea when they date from, but GEE THESE THINGS LOOK RIGHT TO ME. But I'm a newbie...I'm looking for the long-time sages who've done this before to weigh in and make an assessment.
For those who want them, the folks at TAPCO were SUPER nice. I tried to set up an account online and order, but the order went phantom on me, and so I called. The phone order process was SUPERSIMPLE - especially if you give them the product number. I even got to try their customer service, twice in parallel...by that I mean two different emails I sent regarding the phantom order went to their customer service and to their webmaster - but both ended up in their customer service queue, two separate women handled them both at speed, as though they were racing each other, both were friendly and took care of everything. I wasn't testing them, honest, and told them they were both working it so they wouldn't duplicate - but they were that good at it they just both tracked my order in the system to make sure I wasn't getting 10!
But I strongly suggest getting at least 5, so that you can have your pick. At $2 each, that is still 5 for $10, which is a BARGAIN. And minimum shipping is $9, so I personally can't handle over 80% of the charge being shipping alone, so that was my rationale.
Figure w/ the rest you can have a spare or two, and still trade or forward the rest to other members.Oh! And less than three days after I placed the order by phone - 3pm Tuesday to Noon Friday - I had them in the mail, US Priority Express. With an interesting catalog w/ a Marilyn Monroe look-alike brandishing an ENORMOUS Cobb FA50. (I had to look up the name of the model. The RIFLE model, that is.)
Commence firing.
- JP.S. I've got more pics, like the back of the strap where it is riveted to keep on the buckle, etc. If there is any interest I will post them to the thread as requested.
EDITED 9/05 to rehost pics on ImageShack.
Well, I ain't all THAT tall, but I'm 5'8"-9", so maybe it won't work for someone taller. Maybe these only work up to a L, not an XL... 
, as I appreciate any and all questions on this if it helps folks determine if this will work for them or not. Thanks for keeping me diligent - I'm gonna set aside time for sewing this wknd, in between soccer games, playdates, haircuts, etc. etc. etc. Boy, I should have all my Girl Scout Merit Badges by Monday. 
)
I aggree with Indiana Jerry,In the search for THE strap I have reached the end of my quest.Again thanks to all who had a hand in this. 
