Position of front sling swivel on heavy rifles

[PSE]

On a heavy caliber African rifle it seems to be common to see the front sling swivel attachment on the barrel just in front of the forearm. Why is it placed there instead of on the forearm? It would seem that that location would put unwanted pressure on the barrel if you were using the sling as a shooting aid.

 

[bcsteve]

So when the rifle recoils the stud doesn’t come back and bash or cut your hand.

 

[PSE]

So when the rifle recoils the stud doesn’t come back and bash or cut your hand.

Makes sense - Thanks

 

[Dogleg]

The barrel band also carries the rifle with the barrel several inches lower above your shoulder. In thick cover that will make a difference in snagging. It also makes the rifle ride easy with less tendency to want to swing from barrel up.

 

[leeelmer]

IT also is a much stronger point to carry.
Lots of wood stocks have had there sling swivel tear out, this is not ideal when carrying a heavy rifle threw the thick stuff.
Most 375 and above had them on the barrel.
And it is sure nice not to have them tear open the bottom side of your hand.

 

[Leeper]

You will also note that the forearm on most African rifles is relatively short. The American stock, as represented by the pre-64 Model 70, features a much longer forearm. To a great extent, this may stem from the difference in shooting preferences. The Americans tended to build a rifle meant to be shot prone, with a sling, while the British and German makers tended to build an off-hand rifle.
The front swivel on a Model 70 is far enough ahead that one would have to reach forward to contact the swivel with their support hand.
When it comes to the heavy caliber rifles, shooting with a sling was an unlikely occurrence since shots were likely to be taken at close range and often taken quickly.

 

[Slamfire]

No issues with the forend stud if gripped about midpoint on the checkering. Barrel band is aesthetically pleasing.

.458 Lott Sako AV Hunter with Leupold VX-3 1.5-5x20mm

.375 H&H Magnum Sako 85 Kodiak with Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm

 

[Boomer]

Of course the barrel mounted sling leaves something to be desired if you use the sling as a shooting aid. My preference is to mount the sling on the radius of the forend, so its far enough forward that it won't/can't cut my hand. If the barrel sticks up too high when the piece is slung, its nature's way of telling you to sling muzzle down.

 

[medvedqc]

Of course the barrel mounted sling leaves something to be desired if you use the sling as a shooting aid. My preference is to mount the sling on the radius of the forend, so its far enough forward that it won't/can't cut my hand. If the barrel sticks up too high when the piece is slung, its nature's way of telling you to sling muzzle down.

i was to comment that tip you did give me few years ago but your explanation are really what should be tell and done ....