Driftin', you are correct, along with duct tape covering the muzzle. Having had to hunt in the rain a lot, it is one of the many tricks I picked up in 20+ years of hunting with a ML. Tape has tabs on either side to make quick removal a snap, and no, the tape on a ML does not act as a barrel obstruction. Two spare tape covers on the barrel.

The upside down sling attachment also aids in how I carry it when I'm on my mountain bike.

Yes Dave, it was very wet Saturday. We got to the Gorge for the Maroon 5 concert and they cancelled it because of 50+ mph winds and rain. It was actually sunny & clear on Sunday, and I could see further than 40 yards, unlike Saturday.