Big difference in a scope supporting the weight of a rifle VS a rifle supporting the weight of a scope. I learned about 40+ years ago that it was a bad idea. I too had gotten in the habit of carrying my rifle by my scope. I had them high, see through mounts on a 300 Savage. While hunting outside of Yellowstone on the White river I spotted an Elk feeding below me. I pulled the rifle up and the scope jiggled. Luckily I got that Elk but I learned my lesson. Tom
