Which carry method facilitates fastest speed going into action?

[steve white]

Was reading an old article (no. 6 of 2008) in African Hunter wherein Brian Marsh described passing a termite mound which had an old buffalo cow asleep on the other side. She immediately gave charge. She only had to A. get up, B. take about five steps to reach her antagonists, C. give a swipe of her horns! Brian states that he was carrying his rifle in his right hand and "only had time to throw it into both hands and snap off a shot from the hip. I then jacked in another round from the hip and put one in her shoulder" as she swerved past. Wow. I won't delve into why he stayed at the hip to manipulate the bolt. He survived.
Allow me to ask--what would have happened if he had been using the "Africa carry" with the right hand on the barrel and the rifle resting on right shoulder? Would he have likely been alive to tell us the story?
I am asking our bloggers--given the method with which you normally carry, HOW MANY MOTIONS ARE REQUIRED TO COME INTO BATTERY? And how long do YOU say it takes you to do it?

My answer: my personal carry is rifle slung downward, held on the left side by the left hand. I rotate the rifle upward (coming into hasty sling) into the right shoulder pocket, my right hand coming to the grip/trigger, and the whole lifting process bringing the rifle to my cheek/shooting eye. Time required--2 second plus however fast my eye comes to focus in the scope itself, which can vary by eye box, etc. on a given rifle. But this also means I am using a sling, so...some may take issue with that and factor in the occasional snag?

Ready to defend your practice? Go....

 

[Hunter4752001]

I used to use a "Safari Sling" for local hunting. Very fast but I wasn't comfortable with the fact that you would risk 'covering' your hunting companions. Not as much as 'African Carry' but more than I was comfortable with.

As to what is actually fastest, I suspect our subjective impressions are not that reliable. I can remember back in the early days of IPSC there was a fad for cross draw speed holsters. Everyone thought they were much faster. That is till someone put a video camera on the line and was actually able to compare times by objective measurement. Turns out that conventional strong side hip holsters were significantly faster,

In those days few people had video cameras, these we all have them in our phones. Get it setup on a tripod at right angles to the shooter and have yourself filmed using various carry methods. This will give you some objective data to work with.

 

[Russ16]

I don’t know that I’m going to be “defending” anything on my preference it is just my preference.

I use a method similar to your except on my right side. When pulling the gun up I grab it with my right had at the pistol grip and as it comes up the left grabs the fore end. I’ll give your left side carry a try to see how I like it. My guess is I won’t be as fast. I’m a very right hand dominant individual my left hand is far less quick and accurate.

The fastest is obviously going to be some version of port arms. Or how bird hunters carry with dominant hand on the grip and but resting on the hip or thigh.

Bottom line is you need to be able to put your hands right where you need them with little repositioning.

I remember reading Taylor’s book on hunting and he always had a gun bearer walk in fri t if him in African carry. He could reach forward and grab the pistol grip and pull the gun straight back to his shoulder grabbing it with the offhand on the way. Of course that requires a gun bearer and one who’s willing to walk in front and prepared to get out of the way in a hurry if things get sporty. Probably a lot more realistic 100+ years ago.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I also prefer the left shoulder muzzle down method.

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Right handed: cradled in arms angled left…right hand can grab grip and shoulder super fast, and the barrel angles to 90 degrees away from partner in front or rear. Comfortable to carry for a long time

Picture for left hand version

 

[BeeMaa]

I'm right handed. Rifle is carried barrel forward and barrel up on my left shoulder with my left hand controlling it. To put it into action, I use my left hand to slack the sling and bring the rifle in front of me where I grasp it with both hands. It's then brought to my shoulder, acquire the target, safety off, squeeze the trigger.

This method keeps my left (non-firing) hand in the same position on the rifle, it doesn't need to change position aiding in speed. The downside is that one needs the grip strength to hold the entire weight of the rifle with what is most likely the weaker of the two hands and arms. Both my wife and I are able to do this maneuver with ease.

The biggest benefit of this way of carrying is you have total of the barrel and which way it's pointing. I also use this method when walking with a shotgun that's slung.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Right handed: cradled in arms angled left…right hand can grab grip and shoulder super fast, and the barrel angles to 90 degrees away from partner in front or rear. Comfortable to carry for a long time

Picture for left hand version
View attachment 650466

Doesn't work well in cold weather. I prefer my hands on wood or plastic rather than metal.

If I'm just moving and not hunting, the rifle is slung on my right shoulder close to my body and easily removed when crawling through thick stuff where it's held low in right hand muzzle forward while left hand negotiates brush and thorns. When hunting it's usually port arms. In bad weather I often carry the rifle tucked under my right arm muzzle forward and gripped just ahead of floorplate with right hand. This way the scope is horizontal and partially protected against my body. A properly balanced rifle is easily carried that way.

 

[Red Leg]

I am right handed. In Africa, and in the States while in cover, I carry the rifle muzzle down and sling forward on the left shoulder. the left hand maintains a grip on the forearm. It rotates the rifle up instantly into firing position - and I can even rotate up into a hasty sling if needed. The only thing that might be faster is true port arms, but that can only be maintained so long.

 

[WAB]

I am right handed. In Africa, and in the States while in cover, I carry the rifle muzzle down and sling forward on the left shoulder. the left hand maintains a grip on the forearm. It rotates the rifle up instantly into firing position - and I can even rotate up into a hasty sling if needed. The only thing that might be faster is true port arms, but that can only be maintained so long.

+1. I’ve been carrying a rifle in this manner for 40+ years where the cover allows. IMO the fastest to action carry method that can be maintained over long distances.

 

[steve white]

Doesn't work well in cold weather. I prefer my hands on wood or plastic rather than metal.

If I'm just moving and not hunting, the rifle is slung on my right shoulder close to my body and easily removed when crawling through thick stuff where it's held low in right hand muzzle forward while left hand negotiates brush and thorns. When hunting it's usually port arms. In bad weather I often carry the rifle tucked under my right arm muzzle forward and gripped just ahead of floorplate with right hand. This way the scope is horizontal and partially protected against my body. A properly balanced rifle is easily carried that way.

I had forgotten the old "tuck the butt under the right arm pit and draw it straight forward" carry. I once used that extensively with a Greener shotgun I loved. I remember Churchill advocating it, but somehow never tried it with a scoped rifle. Interesting.

 

[steve white]

Right handed: cradled in arms angled left…right hand can grab grip and shoulder super fast, and the barrel angles to 90 degrees away from partner in front or rear. Comfortable to carry for a long time

Picture for left hand version
View attachment 650466

Without a sling, that is my favorite for long carry.

 

[Edge]

I don’t use a sling at all, rifle is always in my hands. I tried using a sling but it was always getting caught up in the bush. In tight cover and I’m crouched down, I will have my left hand controlling the muzzle while gripping the wrist with my right. I will only shoulder carry if we are done tracking and making our way out of the bush or walking down a two track, always conscious of where my muzzle is pointed.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I am right handed. In Africa, and in the States while in cover, I carry the rifle muzzle down and sling forward on the left shoulder. the left hand maintains a grip on the forearm. It rotates the rifle up instantly into firing position - and I can even rotate up into a hasty sling if needed. The only thing that might be faster is true port arms, but that can only be maintained so long.

I maintain port arms all day when hunting uplands. I have a sling but it's in the game bag till maybe the walk out in cold weather (so hands can be tucked in). Or a really long walk out in the dark. Didn't use it much this year as I found the sling stud on butt kept getting caught in the armpit of my upland vest when mounting. So I detached the fore end sling and unscrewed butt stud with swivel attached. Screwed it back in as needed but such a hassle I don't usually bother. I'm ordering a set of pushbutton detachable swivels for that old A5. They mount flush to the stock. Should be able to adapt one to magazine cap. I'll probably have to add a bit of fiberglass inside the hollow plastic stock.

That 31" barrel 3" magnum Browning A5 is not a light gun even wearing plastic, but it is balanced perfectly. Balance is paramount when carrying a gun in the hands ... we don't shoot them hanging on our shoulders. My 404J with 24" profile barrel and walnut stock weighs ten pounds loaded. It is balanced at forward end of the floorplate. I hunted buffalo with it last year and two days without a sling (forgot it at lodge still attached to my plains game Springfield 03A3). Managed fine without it. I alternated carrying it port arms, hooked over my right forearm, or cradled crossbody (in order of preference).

 

[Red Leg]

I maintain port arms all day when hunting uplands. I have a sling but it's in the game bag till maybe the walk out in cold weather (so hands can be tucked in). Or a really long walk out in the dark. Didn't use it much this year as I found the sling stud on butt kept getting caught in the armpit of my upland vest when mounting. So I detached the fore end sling and unscrewed butt stud with swivel attached. Screwed it back in as needed but such a hassle I don't usually bother. I'm ordering a set of pushbutton detachable swivels for that old A5. They mount flush to the stock. Should be able to adapt one to magazine cap. I'll probably have to add a bit of fiberglass inside the hollow plastic stock.

That 31" barrel 3" magnum Browning A5 is not a light gun even wearing plastic, but it is balanced perfectly. Balance is paramount when carrying a gun in the hands ... we don't shoot them hanging on our shoulders. My 404J with 24" profile barrel and walnut stock weighs ten pounds loaded. It is balanced at forward end of the floorplate. I hunted buffalo with it last year and two days without a sling (forgot it at lodge still attached to my plains game Springfield 03A3). Managed fine without it. I alternated carrying it port arms, hooked over my right forearm, or cradled crossbody (in order of preference).

Good for you. That means you are special. I also carried firearms as a soldier though I am sure that pales to your experiences. True port arms is difficult to maintain. The forend of a rifle or shotgun invariably finds its way to the crook of the arm. That too can be reasonably fast, but I personally find nothing quicker or less wearing than the left shoulder carry for long periods - say on the track of buffalo.

If you do not want to carry a rifle that way, then by all means do not. I truly could care less. My remarks were addressed to the OP.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I don’t use a sling at all, rifle is always in my hands. I tried using a sling but it was always getting caught up in the bush. In tight cover and I’m crouched down, I will have my left hand controlling the muzzle while gripping the wrist with my right. I will only shoulder carry if we are done tracking and making our way out of the bush or walking down a two track, a,ways conscious of where my muzzle is pointed.

In heavy brush I pull the fore end of sling back tight against the stock and hold it there with my right hand gripping the rifle ahead of floorplate. Also keeps the swivels from squeaking or rattling. Pistol grip cap is resting on my right hip with right arm pressing the gun against my side. As mentioned above, this protects the scope (somewhat) by keeping it horizontal (lenses less exposed to falling debris, snow, and rain and armpit shields the ocular lens). And left hand is free to fend off brush or grip something on steep or uneven ground.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Good for you. That means you are special. I also carried firearms as a soldier though I am sure that pales to your experiences. True port arms is difficult to maintain. The forend of a rifle or shotgun invariably finds its way to the crook of the arm. That too can be reasonably fast, but I personally find nothing quicker or less wearing than the left shoulder carry for long periods - say on the track of buffalo.

If you do not want to carry a rifle that way, then by all means do not. I truly could care less. My remarks were addressed to the OP.

And good for you. The butt up on the left shoulder was, if I recall correctly, another rapid ready feature of Jeff Cooper's "scout gun" concept. I tried it and didn't find it any faster to aquire than conventional slung on right shoulder. I did find it much more uncomfortable to have pistol grip poking me in the ribs and bolt rubbing against my left fore arm. I didn't try it long enough to see what happens when I stumble and the muzzle goes in the ground. And where I hunt stumbling is a daily occurrence ... at least.

Modern military rifles are a different breed of cat. They are shorter, thinner, and designed much differently (e.g. vertical pistol grip). For my MOS the day to day weapon was a sidearm 1911 but I trained with M16. Glad I didn't have to actually defend myself with that POS.

 

[BJH65]

Which carry method facilitates fastest speed going into action?​

The answer to your above question in military terms is port arms or in civilian terminology two handed ready carry or field carry. It requires one motion to align your sights or in the case of shotgun point or lead your quarry. I use this method when still hunting. Like elk in black timber, blacktail in the Pacific Northwest rainforest or anywhere where there is a likely hood you may jump your quarry like when we were hunting a warthog along the Klaserie River.

Negotiating through thick brush, like what we did recently in Africa through thick thorny acacia trees, one handed field carry insuring muzzle was never pointed at the PH and tracker, alternating from one hand to another while negotiating the thorns and brush. This method would require two motions to bring your weapon to bear.

Walking along a dirt road or trail with more visibility the cradle carry or I see the merit of muzzle down sling carry on your support side. This is a two movement to bring rifle to bear. Honestly, usually in this scenario I carry my rifle slung over my right shoulder (I’m right handed), where primarily we are getting from point A to point B. This is at least a 3 movement to bring rifle to bear.

 

[cajunchefray]

I am right handed. In Africa, and in the States while in cover, I carry the rifle muzzle down and sling forward on the left shoulder. the left hand maintains a grip on the forearm. It rotates the rifle up instantly into firing position - and I can even rotate up into a hasty sling if needed. The only thing that might be faster is true port arms, but that can only be maintained so long.

This is the method I prefer. With a properly balanced rifle it is comfortable for long walks, and still fast to mount. Personally, I find the ambidextrous movement makes it easier to square up to the target.
Given my anatomy,
I like 22 inch or shorter barrel.