If you go with the barrel band and move it ahead far enough your sling won't wear the finish off the tip of your forend ! The only time my sling is on my rifle is when I'm dragging a deer . Then it's not catching on brush , or making noise , and I don't get lazy and sling it when it should be in my hands . If you remove your sling while you're hunting , it really doesn't matter which way you go .