Allen

You are correct that some rifles did utilise loop eyes for use with thong ends on either canvas web or leather slings, the thongs were often pigskin and were knotted on the loop so as to prevent a noisy set up. The system works well until the thong ends become wet at which point trying to untie them can be a hassle. The hooks were also used in the same loops, these were favoured also by target shooters who once they got into the prone position required for long range target shooting could hook the rifle onto the sling of their shooting jackets. For use in hunting either would work although of the 2 methons the thong ends was the quietest.

Paul Roberts at J Roberts and Sons (www.jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk) offers a modern made version made on the same pattern as that used by Rigbys (he owned the Rigby name until the late 1990's when it was sold to Red River rifle works in California) the cost for the thong ended version is Ł35 GB pounds (app $70 US) they are well made and can be shipped mail order, if you visit his websiter and click onto accessories there is a picture of the sling with a description of the styles offered.

jonathan