Safe handling and carry: carries, obstacles, vehicles, boats and groups

The principle: control the muzzle in every situation

When you walk, climb, ride or hunt with others, the risk is a slip, a branch or another person moving into the line of the muzzle. Every carrying position is judged by one question: where does the muzzle point if the firearm goes off unexpectedly?

The six carrying positions

Carry	When it is suitable	Main caution
Two-hand (ready) carry	The safest carry - best muzzle control and fastest to shoulder	Keep the muzzle up and away from others
Cradle carry	Safe when shooting alone or with others behind/beside on the non-muzzle side	The muzzle points to one side - companions must walk on the opposite side
Elbow (side) carry	Open terrain	Not in bush (branches can push the barrel back toward you); never when others are ahead
Trail carry	When alone or standing still	Muzzle can dig into the ground or point at someone ahead - otherwise not recommended
Shoulder carry	Rarely; muzzle must point upward	The least safe carry - poor control in a fall; never with a loaded firearm or with others nearby
Sling carry	Leaves both hands free in open country	Not in dense bush (snags, debris in the barrel); dangerous to people in front if you bend forward

Key fact: The two-hand (ready) carry gives the best control; the shoulder carry gives the least.