My first classic sxs was a between the wars Sauer 16. Came with sling swivels. I was first exposed to them hunting Barbary partridge with a multi-national group in Morocco. Bought a sling in France for my Sauer a few years later. In addition to the Swedes, the French, Germans, and Austrians commonly use slings on their shotguns. IMO, they make a lot of sense if you're hunting open country birds where a sling doesn't get in the way. Comes in handy when you're taking pictures, doing something with the dog that requires 2 hands, etc. Better than putting the gun on the ground. Not a good idea in thick stuff, like when hunting grouse and woodcock. Just take it off. The swivels don't get in the way, and don't really look out of place on a shotgun.
