John, I did not say a rock whack and carrying by the scope were the same thing. There is a joint - at least in that scope - that partially separated. Any joint can be a potential weak part in any structure. Some scopes may be made differently, you know more about that than I do. But you often caution against tightening the ring screws too much because of the thinness of the scope tube. So why put unnecessary stress on the tube and joint?
To me it seems prudent not to take chances; since carrying a rifle by the stock is not difficult!
It does not matter to me how people carry their rifles as long as they are safe with it. I simply chose not to carry a rifle by the aiming device.
"It is wise, though, to remember above all else: rifle, caliber, scope, and even bullets notwithstanding, the most important feature of successful big game hunting is to put that bullet in the correct place, the first time!" John Jobson
