Ok bear with me on this NYH as i "think" im right based on what i could find online lastmonth while studyn the exact same subject for my new project 7600 http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/guns...-7mm-08-a.html

The change was brought about when rem went from the 760 to the 7600 as the 760 had a nonfloated barrel, the slide tube/magazine IS attached to the barrel so "in theory" it is strong enough to mount the sling stud into the end of the magazine tube. However, supposedly the 7600 ISNT because the barrel is floated or NOT attached to the slide tube/magazine, thus rem recommending the front sling stud to be attached via a barrel band/clamp.

NOW however i found MANY who continue to use the 760 kit and screw that sling stud bolt into the front of their 7600s with no ill effects. Im like you, i DONT want to use the barrel band mount. I pulled/pried the slide away from the mag tube on my 7600 and it will take ALOT more force to damage the gun than youll put on it just by slingn it over your shoulder and carrying it.

If im wrong please tell me but thats my plan but i havent yet bought the kit so i cant say!
HL