How to carry a loaded rifle

[Olsen]

I only been hunting in Africa once, but seen a lot of films, from there, and every time, I wonder about the way the carry the rifle. Load it up and on the shoulder, with the barrel pointing straight to the guy in front

If I did that in any other place, I would be on the way home, before I could spell Blaser

Many places in Scotland, you not allowed to carry your own gun, the guide do that, and give it to you just before you have to take the shot.

I know you don´t use sling in Africa if you hunt dangerous game, but still wonder why the carry like that

Next time you go for a driven hunt, with a lot of hunters, try to load up and put it on the shoulder like the african way

[Rod]

What is your definition of loaded? Loaded to me means…the magazine contains ammunition and the chamber is empty. Generally with bolt/ all moving parts forward.

Cheers
Rod

[analog_peninsula]

Well, a lot depends on the rifle, but sweeping someone with the barrel of a rifle is always a safety no-go. You can make the argument that it’s safe to carry with a chambered round if the rifle has a decocking device, and I night hunt with MSRs cocked and locked because there’s no way to chamber rounds silently, but muzzle awareness is paramount in every case. I’ve also seen some of the African videos with interesting rifle handling. Watch the video below then tell me what you think.

[Rod]

Well, a lot depends on the rifle, but sweeping someone with the barrel of a rifle is always a safety no-go. You can make the argument that it’s safe to carry with a chambered round if the rifle has a decocking device, and I night hunt with MSRs cocked and locked because there’s no way to chamber rounds silently, but muzzle awareness is paramount in every case. I’ve also seen some of the African videos with interesting rifle handling. Watch the video below then tell me what you think.

Sort of a combination of hunting and rodeo .

[Olsen]

What is your definition of loaded? Loaded to me means…the magazine contains ammunition and the chamber is empty. Generally with bolt/ all moving parts forward.

Cheers
Rod

bullets in the chamber, on both bolt action and double rifles.

[deerhunter338mag]

It looks cool, and them double rifles are bloody heavy

[canalrifle]

Thanks for raising this subject. Safety is something we all need to keep first in our minds when hunting and shooting and guns in general..

[Olsen]

I think safety is in top, at least on the hunts where I been

How many have carried there gun like this, out of Africa

I know the Blaser and many other brands, is " safe " with a bullet in the chamber, due to the safety cocking system, but a double rifle is like a shotgun, and I woulden´t trust the safety that much, if I was walking in front

[Rod]

I think safety is in top, at least on the hunts where I been

How many have carried there gun like this, out of Africa

I know the Blaser and many other brands, is " safe " with a bullet in the chamber, due to the safety cocking system, but a double rifle is like a shotgun, and I woulden´t trust the safety that much, if I was walking in front

I’m not sure where this saying originated. I had it drilled into as a child and I still say it to myself often.

“ all the game that’s ever been got is not worth one man shot.”


Rod

[cbrook6]

This way of carrying a rifle has always confused me, I was always taught to never point the barrel at something you didn't want to shoot. I do understand why you'd want to though, with a heavy double barrel rifle!

[slugslinger]

Good topic! I never liked holding my rifle on my shoulder and it does seem oddly common in Africa. I still didn't do it, even there, but rather standard shoulder sling for longer walks, or "at the ready" (diagonally across the chest held by both hands) if a shot was potentially imminent. While actively stalking/hunting, I'm usually rifle loaded with a round in the chamber, with safety on (or de-cocker on my Mauser M03). The same conditions (carefully) apply for a backpack that holds a rifle with a quick release, like the Vorn - whick is actually my favorite method for hiking around in the mountains - it leaves my hands free to carry shooting sticks. Nothing should ever override safety . . . and to be honest, I won't hunt or shoot with anyone who doesn't also think that way!

Regards,

[stokesrj]

The proper way to carry a loaded rifle is like you describe, over the shoulder and muzzle forward, this gives much greater control of where the muzzles are pointed than the reverse. With the muzzles forward you can see exactly what is in front of you and where the muzzles are pointed to avoid sweeping anyone. If carried in the reverse direction you have no idea if the muzzles are pointed at someone behind you or not.

[mchughcb]

I carry all my loaded guns on my blaser sling over the shoulder or across my back to give me 2 arms free. I'll only cock my blasers when I'm about to shoot. I can do that instinctively so I don't think about it.

All my guns that have slings swivels have been made to for the blaser sling so the technique is the same if I'm stalking, hunting over hounds.