Rev, short answer is yes for me. Mine all have short Rigby style for-ends placing the front band closer than if on a standard length for-end. I also generally have a leather glove on my left hand while hunting, both for movement through woods/brush and to shoot with (the other is in my right rear pocket). I use a sling a lot for shooting (small bore and high power target shooter). I took my Mod. 70 classic sporter 25-06 Antelope hunting a few years ago and after carrying that thing around w/a steel bipod on it all day went back to only a sling. Don't generally use a highpower style shooting sling but one that at least I can hasty up or can use the loop up front. I always have a sling on my hunting rifles, makes dragging game easier w/both hands, take it off and use a drag strap for non horned animals ect.-Muddy
