sling swivel stud on Winchester 94 rear barrel band - original?

[deerhunter1981]

Hey guys

I just bought a mint condition winchester 94AE. Its serial number is 55...47. It does not have a tang or cross bolt safety, and it does have checkering. Seems like a high quality rifle, at least compared to several other 94's I've come across. Great wood and nice finish.

Can anyone guess when it was made?

Also, it has a sling swivel stud on the real barrel band. I can't remember ever seeing this on a winchester 94 and so I wonder whether or not this is an original part or not. It does not seem to be welded on by any previous owner or gunsmith. If so, they've done an outstanding job. However, I'm not sure if I should attach a sling to it, thinking that the barrel band will loosen up and damage the wood. What do you guys think?

[salvo]

My guess it is about a 1989 The cross bolt was introduced in 1992.
More than likely the sling studs have been added.
I would think that using the rear band stud would be fine.
Congrats on the new 94!