Which firearm carry gives the best control?

To carry a gun safely while hunting, three basic rules apply:

Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction and the barrel under control.
Keep the safety in the “on” position while carrying a firearm. Only change the position of the safety to fire when you are ready to shoot.
Always keep your finger outside the trigger guard.

Check the status of your firearm often, especially as you travel or get ready to cross an obstacle. Check to see if your safety is still on and keep the chamber empty. If your magazine is loaded, when you’re ready to fire, it is easy to chamber a round for the shot. Don’t be shy to ask others about the safety status of their firearm.

Sling Carry

A sling carry uses a rifle sling placed over your shoulder to support the rifle. Keep your hand on the sling while walking to keep the rifle from slipping. The sling carry is good for long walks in open cover. If brush becomes dense, the barrel tip can get caught in shoulder-high branches and twigs so you may need to switch to a different carrying method. It is a good carry when walking with others.

Trail Carry

The trail carry uses one arm to carry the firearm, leaving the other free for balance.

Cradle Carry

The cradle carry rests the gun across your forearm and elbow. The hand easily secures the firearm by grasping the stock. It is a comfortable carry that reduces arm fatigue.

Elbow or Side Carry

The elbow or “side” carry is a very comfortable carry for break-action firearms. The pivot of the open action rests easily in the crook of your elbow and down over your forearm. In this manner the barrel naturally points down. Others can easily see that your action is safe and open.

Shoulder Carry

The shoulder carry balances the rifle on your shoulder, controlling the firearm by a hand on the grip. Always keep your finger off the trigger and on the outside of the trigger guard. This is a good carry when walking beside or behind others. It is not a good carry if others are behind you.

When at a shooting range the correct shoulder carry for a break action shotgun would be with the action open, unloaded, barrel pointing down and forward, controlled by both hands.

Two - Handed or Ready Carry

In the two-handed or “ready” carry, the gun is held by both hands in front of the body with the barrel up. The trigger finger is always outside of the trigger guard. It provides the best control of the muzzle, particularly in thick brush or weeds, or when you need to be ready to take aim.

Safe Carries in a Group

Safely carrying firearms while hunting with others can be a challenge. Strict muzzle control is the key factor to keep in mind. Remember that you may have to adjust or change your carry for the terrain and pace of your group.

Walking side by side

The hunters at the sides must keep their muzzles pointed to the side or to the front. The hunter in the middle must keep his muzzle to back and up, or to the front.

Walking in single file

The hunter in front keeps his muzzle to the side or up. The hunter in the middle keeps the muzzle to the side with cradle carry. The hunter in the rear keeps his muzzle back or to the side.

Muzzle direction is all-important when carrying firearms. You can control muzzle direction safely if you use proper carrying positions. When carrying firearms, you must always be aware of the possibility of slips or falls.

The two-hand or ready carry is the safest carry for shooters. It gives you the best control of the firearm and muzzle and also allows you to get into shooting position quickly.

The cradle carry is a safe carry when shooting alone. However, in this carry, the muzzle points to one side. The other person has to walk on the opposite side of the muzzle.

The elbow or side carry is safe when walking in open terrain. However, do not use the side carry when walking through bush. Branches can get tangled around the firearm and push the barrel towards you. Do not use the side carry when others are ahead of you.

The trail carry is best used when you are alone or standing still. Otherwise, it is not recommended.

The shoulder carry is the least safe of all carries. In a fall there is poor muzzle control. It must not be used for loaded firearms. Special care must be taken to keep the muzzle pointed upward. Do not use this carry when others are with you.

The sling carry leaves both the hunter’s hands free. However, do not use this carry when walking in dense bush. Your firearm may get caught in brush and be
pulled off your shoulder. Also, twigs and other debris may fall into the upright barrel. If the hunter bends sharply forward, this carry is dangerous to those in front.

Which carry you use will depend on where your companions are and the kind of terrain that you are walking on. Never use a carry that will cause the muzzle to be pointed at another person.

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Which firearm carry gives the best control?

Safe Carries in a Group

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