Questions about the African Carry and Others

[Rare Breed]

I've seen some sloppy gun handling, but never from my PH. He explained that holding the muzzle of the rifle, you SHOULD be aware of where the weapon is pointing at all times. The only time any carry method becomes dangerous is when muzzle awareness is lost, the buggar hook is on the bang button when it shouldn't be, etc.

i use the African carry but always make sure the gun is over my shoulder at a less than 45% angle on my shoulder meaning the muzzle is pointing outward or more sideways versus at the PH’s back. while some may think uncomfortable it is not just takes practice and focus. on my pre hunt power walks taking my 15 pound steel cardio bar let’s me practice this so it becomes second nature

 

[Yukontom]

i use the African carry but always make sure the gun is over my shoulder at a less than 45% angle on my shoulder meaning the muzzle is pointing outward or more sideways versus at the PH’s back. while some may think uncomfortable it is not just takes practice and focus. on my pre hunt power walks taking my 15 pound steel cardio bar let’s me practice this so it becomes second nature

You are right Rare Breed. I have practiced this and it works fine. Any carry can be OK as long as the muzzle is not pointed in anyone's general direction. Even a shoulder slung rifle can be a problem as experienced personally walking behind a lazy friend who was letting the rifle side butt forward, resulting in the muzzle pointing at me and my wife walking behind. We can all argue about this forever, but it boils down to not pointing your gun at anybody. I would also add that In thick stuff, it must be in your hands to be safe, period. And back to the loaded/unloaded question... In my experience when you get down off the cruiser, you load your rifle. It is of course up to your PH but I have never had anyone tell me otherwise. This is immaterial anyway because all weapons should be treated as if they are loaded and don't point them at anything you don't want to kill, purposely or otherwise.
And Rare Breed thanks for the comment on the cardio bar. I just ordered one from Amazon. Much better to carry on walks through the park for conditioning. People might get upset if they see you with a rifle.

 

[petander]

I have several double rifles..the ONLY one I carry "African carry" is my .470 Krieghoff, loaded but uncocked..

I like decockers,too.

Merkel SLII is my only one with a decocker, I carry it in the woods and brush quite a bit. Might even carry "african". Other rifles,never.