O'Connor's wife didn't like slings, instead carrying her rifles like Steelhead carries his, one reason detachable slings are so popular: If you don't like slings, for whatever reason, then you can take 'em off. Or if you have ambivalent feelings about slings, you can put 'em on or take 'em off.
My thoughts exactly, whatever works for you and you are comfortable with. I don't carry by the scope, I have carried by the barrel before, I do use a sling for carrying and shooting in hasty form from time to time depending on what rest is available or just cradled in my arms. My favorite sling is the Trader Keith's canvas web and leather sling.
