If you're going to use a sling for both carry and shooting support, get one that slides easily. I tried using a sling on my Encore, and for me to shoot while using the sling I had to extend the sling to the point that it hung down by my knees when trying to carry it. I had to keep readjusting it back to a shorter length to carry. I eventually decided it wasn't worth the hassle and extra support while hunting, so I removed it. The Encore with a 15 inch barrel is easy to cradle carry, and finding a rest to shoot from isn't difficult.