Other than he had restocked Darne and Charlin guns, and one of them made it into an article in DGJ, the name Ted Neal doesn't mean anything to me.
I am referring to the gun in the ad when I mention the name Ted Neal, NOT your gun-I haven't seen a good photo of the wood on your gun, as of yet.
If you look at the entire ad on Guns International, you will see that it is a pretty spectacular piece of Claro on that gun, which was not available, or, desired by those that would have built it. It is a full restock. Ted Neal is mentioned by name, and it appears he is a hell of a stocker, anyway.
The "Automatique" sling is interesting, but, is, in my opinion, the least desirable of the three sling options. It is narrow, and difficult to fit, and a bit frail in function, as someone already discovered on your gun. Be gentle with it.
Best,
Ted
