'They both got too hot to hold after six shots, and cooled slowly in the 100 degree heat, even
in the shade. That's why you use a leather glove on the forward hand. A beavertail can't
protect your fingers from hot steel if you're holding the rifle properly.'

Please forgive my ersatz quote, 400NitroExpress, (couldn't get the real system to work) but I've asked this question before and can't recall getting a reply:

Does anyone use or have views on leather thongs around db rifle barrels to cope with heat? Also, what keeps them from slipping down the barrels?

It seems the Brits use these things on s/s shotguns, partly because they grip the barrels ahead of the forend and partly because the steel gets very hot when shooting driven game.

If kosher, their laces should be less noticeable beyond the quarter rib and sights of a rifle than they are on a shotgun.

Cheers
- Paul