Why is the sling swivel mounted on the barrel considered preferable on big bore rifles? what is the advantage?

It is never seen that way on smaller calibres.

Dave

It allows the rifle to be carried lower on the shoulder for thick areas.

Some people think that it protects there hand during recoil. A forearm mounted one being closer to the hand. This was true with British Rifles that have a short forearm but not true of American style stocks and the longer one.

It is traditional.

The recoil on a big bore is severe enough that forearm of the stock can/will slide on recoil, and the stock mounted sling stud can very painfully contact your hand.

Most english stocks have shorter forearms then the modern Amercian classic stock. There are small and medium bores that use the barrel band swivel.

Mickey - It's not true right up to the moment that you grab the stock a little long and then the sling swivel is jammed back into your hand. All of my rifles over 6mm either have a barrel band or no sling swivel. I don�t like fighting with a sling when shooting game.

I think a seasoned shooter wouldn't have any trouble with the front swivel on the stock because they know to hold on. Two different people that tried my Ruger 416 Rigby when it was still chambered that way spit their finger on the front swivel. The barrel band prevents this little episode.
Take care,
470 Mbogo

Thanks.