doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Sling Swivels

I'm with you,TW. Right now I am having two Berettas done this way with engraving plate over the rear hole and using the sling swivel screws for the plugs in the front. I have a drawer full of old Beretta swivels and have only had one person request a set to add to an older gun.
Best,
Ron

I removed the swivels from a 1920's British boxlock that was in wonderful condition. I used wood from under the buttplate to fill the stock hole, matching the flow of the grain. I filled the rib holes with filler screws. I'm not crazy about the screws but tig welding the holes in the rib like my 'smith suggested seems like a lot of trouble and expense. I have swivels on a Husqvarna gun that I have left in place as they are appropriate for a European gun.

Simply put in a blued slotted wood screw in the buttstock so that it fits flush with the wood. Use screw blanks in the rib. Store the swivels under the buttplate. When you come to your senses later you can reinstall the swivels. Another idea is to drill out the swivel eyes to 9/64 and use an American quick-detachable sling that you carry in your pocket.

In my opinion the best way to deal with the European sling swivels is to sell the gun to someone who appreciates all the features (slings, cheekpeice, engraving styles etc) and go buy another gun more your style. The swivels have never been an issue for me and I carry a sling to attach should I need to use it during the hunt.

I find that without a sling attached, the butt stock swivel catches in jacket and trouser pockets when walking.

I've never had that problem.

Anyone who hasn't tried having a sling on their shotgun should, and will likely see just how useful it really is. Especially when you need to use both hands for something - anything. Try it and you'll wonder how you ever got by without one.

Agree that slings are useful. When I've had guns with swivels, I've frequently used a sling for open country hunting for birds like pheasants and prairie grouse. But if the swivels bother you or get in the way when you're hunting, just take them off and worry what to do about the holes after the season's over. Which, I guess, is why we're talking about it now.

I have never installed sling swivels on a gun, but have bought many shotguns with swivels already installed and have slings on all of them. My shotguns with swivels are a field grade mag ten Ithaca, a Husquvarna Model 51, a 32" DHE Parker, a Sauer drilling, a Remington 870 boat gun, and probably a couple of more I can't think of. I use them all and wouldn't think of going through the expense of trying to hide them.

...And here I sit trying to figure out a sling arrangement for my guns....without the drilling.

Count me as another one who uses a sling on my hammerguns in grouse and woodcock coverts. Very seldom have I had a problem with it getting "hung up" in heavy cover. A gun with swivels and no sling looks "half dressed" .