I need to get some new sling swivels for an older custom made rifle. The studs have narrow(ish) holes through them I want to keep the studs. I'm having a hard time finding swivels with cross bars narrow enough to fit through the holes in the studs.

Any thoughts?

drill

Have the sling swivel reworked using M2 drill rod (strength & stiffness) to make a new pin the correct diameter and a bushing for the opposite side of the swivel.

Thank you both for your responses.

Do you want them to look nice or can they be hideous looking?

For a practical sling, I like these polymer (fancy word for plastic) ones:

http://www.midwayusa.com/produ...polymer-black-1-pair



It would be easy enough to grind down enough of the threaded pin to fit through the stud, just leave the threads on the other side of the pin intact and it will be secure enough to where it will not back out. You could also put a dab of epoxy in the other hole where the small end goes and when it is solidifying just screw the pin in and out.

I really like these swivels other than the fact they are tacky looking, but they are secure and light weight and do not rattle either. I once managed to pull the metal loop off a sling when I had the rifle over my shoulder which would have been fatal to the front sight had it landed on rocks instead of dirt, so since then I have always used this type of swivel. I used to use Quake brand "Hush Stalker" swivels but they look to be discontinued. I bought a set of these other ones a couple months ago and they seem to work pretty well.

I had a similar problem with a Heym that I've got. The barrel mounted swivel stud was narrower than standard studs. It was a couple years ago, but I think this is the one that I got.

http://www.newenglandcustomgun...&ST=Quick-Detachable Swivel for European Swivel Studs#.Vwp9upj2aM8