Maybe I shouldn't have added the opinion part but I actually am.

First the background.

I agreed to complete a rifle in .404 for a friend and it is pretty straightforward with the exception of the barrel.
The action is a pre 64 model 70 originally in .300 H&H. The .404 rounds seem to run through the action as if it were made for them. I may attempt some alterations on the box but overall it will be a 3 down magazine.

The questions revolve around integral parts -vs- factory add-ons.

Do I make an integral sling swivel, island site base/forward recoil lug, and front claw mount base on the barrel. Or more importantly is it worth it?

Some of those things are a la carte as if I have an integral island site/lug, the parts towards the breech end just wont be able to fit over it so they would need to be machined, but the option is still open with the sling swivel.
I am aware that all of the parts are available as either saddle style parts (which I would like to avoid) or banded from NECG, etc.

Integral certainly has a number of things going for it but I haven't seen many (even higher end) factory rifles built that way; British guns in particular.

25" #5 contour, with a Holland style banded ramp with night site.

Thoughts honestly considered and any pitfalls that you may know of with the platform itself.

Thanks,

Tom