Noisy integral swivel M77 RSI .308...

pamtnman · Dec 21, 2011

Folks,
I'm needing' some help.
Two weeks ago a mint condition M77 RSI in .308 fell into my lap, and I consider myself lucky to own this gun. It's beautiful and high quality. Because I only hunt with open sights, it's perfect for stalking and driving, which is how I hunt.
Finally found the right traditional heavy leather sling for it.
When the sling was attached, daggone but does that integral sling swivel make noise.
It shifts back and forth and knocks against the washers, making a pretty loud clink sound. It's not an acceptable sound for my kind of hunting, where I get close to the critter.
The gap between the through-screw and the washers is about 1/64th", and I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion about how to silence the clink or mitigate it.
I've thought of installing thin plastic washers, thin leather washers, silicone caulk....guys, my dream rifle just can't function without being silent. Help, please!
Thank you.
Josh

RJ556 · Dec 21, 2011

Although I have not tried it personally, I have heard that you can remove the swivel screw and install very small neoprene "O" rings on one or both sides between the swivel and the stock. They should not even be noticeable looking at the rifle.

pamtnman · Dec 21, 2011

Thanks, RJ. I'll poke around and see if local hardware stores have small O rings. Small rubber ones should be easy to find. Neoprene...that sounds like a specialty item. The problem to solve is that 1/64" gap, which may actually be close to a 1/90". I'm probably going to have to make the washers or adapt them from some other item.
Please keep the ideas coming.
Thanks
Josh

CP · Dec 21, 2011

It is an easy fix. Just take some 15-25 lbs. test fishing line and tie a loop of line with a square knot between the stock and swivel. CP.

pamtnman · Dec 21, 2011

Fishing line is an excellent solution. Now why didn't I think of that?
I'll bet that Power pro or Sufix are better than mono.
I'll try it and report back.
Thank you!
Josh