Leave the swivels on....I have 3 German SxS's with sling swivels. New England Custom Guns has some lovely braided leather shotgun slings that are the correct 7/8" width for European swivels, and Jeff's Outfitters offers a canvas and leather sling that is nice. You'll be surprised how often you will use it.

I always plug my ears anytime I'm around Joe or Mike.