When I was in my mid thirties I had a rifle built that was quite light for the times. I had high rings installed on purpose and carried it by the scope. I discovered the #6 screws were not adequate to hold the constant pressure and they came loose.
There was a fun thing I learned from the experience, though. I prefer high rings. When I bring up the rifle with my eyes closed and shoulder it, then open my eyes I am looking right through the center of the scope.
Just like so many tell us scopes are nothing but a sight, they are wrong. Scopes are used for other things, also. I don't see anything wrong with the practice of using the scope as a handle as long as the mounting system can handle the job. But then I don't try to impress others, only myself.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation." Everyday Hunter
