Rifle Carrying Methods While Hunting

A comparison of different ways to hold a hunting rifle or carry one via sling. Showing American carry (my favorite), European carry, African carry, as well as use of a safari sling and single point sling. This isn't an exhaustive list, but I think I covered a good chunk of the popular carry methods. Let me know in the comments if I missed any carry techniques that you prefer.

[@tcswag801]

Finally somebody with a real rifle on a sling not an ar with a 10 inch barrel . thanks bro .

[@kellyw1648]

My dad taught me to never carry barrel down, because one trip and your barrel is full of mud.

[@chevysilverado3150]

Lmfaoo thats soo truee

[@elijah4606]

You can also tape over the muzzle with literally zero difference in POI.

[@Cobaltryno]

I've used European a lot when hunting in the woods for muzzle control. Otherwise the barrel always hangs up, grabs branches, and makes you much more noticeable. Also helps when I've already got a ton of gear on my back.

[@LexYee697]

American carry is the most comfortable and secured carry style. Since we carry the rifle on our strong shoulder, it feels comfortable for us compared to European or African, and easier for us to hold the rifle securely. But the down side remains the same, it's slow to pull the rifle out into action, when we wanna draw it out our strong hand is hindered from quickly getting on the trigger area.

[@beardy4831]

To protect barrel from mud, apply 1 or 2 pieces of electrical tape over the end of the barrel. Won't affect ballistics. Will protect from minor mud incidents.

[@Huntinggearguy]

Yep, good tip.

[@SpadeAce]

I'm pretty new to hunting, not shooting, so I found this video helpful in choosing a sling. I have a standard two point as well as a one point sling. I use the standard 2 point with my rifle because like you said, it's very easy to hold it steady as well as have it at the ready for any game that may wander across your path. However, I also do a lot of hiking around the woods near my house, especially out of hunting season, so I found a nice little gadget that works wonders for me to be able to keep my rifle/shotgun on me just in case I stumble into a few coyotes or a black bear that wants gets aggressive. I don't have to hold on to the firearm at all. It's called a "Weapon Catch". Never knew about them until recently but I love them. They attach to 1 1/2 - 2" webbing so I have it attached to the side of my backpack (assault pack I guess they call it...?) and it catches your rifle or shotgun at the trigger guard (it is adjustable to fit your weapons dimensions) and holds it securely facing down. It doesn't wobble around when you walk, jog or run You can bend down and your muzzle wont hit the ground, and if you happen to be face to face with an aggressive animal you can either reach under (or over depending on how you mount it on your bag) your shoulder and pull it out or you can quickly take off the pack and pull it out. It has a quick release strap so if it's needed immediately you can pretty much rip it right off the pack. Please keep in mind I am not military, police or an avid hunter so I am new to all of this. If people who have been doing this shit their entire lives don't like my methods then feel free to share some insight into it instead of being a prick and trying to shame me for not carrying rifles since I was 3. Lol. PS: One point slings suck ass. I even saw you having the same problem that I have with them. The damn strap over your shoulder tends to inch its way into your neck until your neck is literally supporting the damn gun. Not only is it uncomfortable as fuck but it also chokes you. If I had a full military getup on and was able to sew a loop in so it would stop that then I would love them but... no. I like my neck the way it is and I really find it shitty to have my rifle bouncing against my body and smacking me in the dick every time I move.

[@Motoman1400]

Really nice video, thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@Pillowpetlover]

looks like a normal 870 plastic furniture

[@LovingIdaho]

without sling , I also hold it in my left arm with barrel out to the left ... kind of like carrying a baby . It is pretty comfortable and have carryed that way for a couple hours walking .

[@ardentlieutenant3390]

The problem wiht holding it horizontally is that you do not know what is ahead of you and if the gun were to discharge you could hit someone or something you did not intend to.

[@jmartin9059]

*Is African carry allowing your barrel to touch the floor ? Consider installing rear sling attachment hardware 'further forward'. This can keep that muzzle out of the mud.*

[@vincef5832]

Combination of American carry and center of gravity- to evenly exert all muscles and accommodate various brush and terrain change-inevitably occurs. I also set my sling tight enough so my hand can support rifle butt(military style), to mix it up and to keep sling from slipping off shoulder. Often I will also switch to a two arm cradle holding the rifle horizontally when no one is by my side on easy terrain. On non rocky level and soft terrain I will even hold with muzzle down for a bit with rifle supported by my forearm or hand on grip..Changing holds gives all the various muscles rest to avoid strain or fatigue. If you are hiking miles up mountains, over rocks,across fields and through brush ,you will inevitably do some or most of these things unconsciously. In the northeast this is very common. When bending, ducking,pushing or stepping over brush and branches, your rifle will more than likely be held in front of you ,with your hand in the middle of the rifle and the muzzle up or with the occasional tilt. Can't imagine people need to be told this-LMAO.

[@ExploreAmerica]

Thanks for the video

[@leecox1513]

I don't know about others, but I carry a pack on my back, and don't hunt while wearing only a Tee shirt. It would be helpful if you could produce a second video that illustrates comfortable ways to carry a rifle when using a back pack at the same time. Just sayin'

[@zacharytomes5202]

Lee Cox Sling wise I'd go with the old school method, just slinged over the shoulder of your non dominant hand, or the african method. Thats worked for me the best when it comes to having a pack and whole gear set up (Me personally I had bdu, alice frame pack, and some odds and ends)

[@Brett235]

When I have my pack on my back I carry my rifle on my right shoulder holding it with the butt of the rifle, I find that easier but I'm not traveling far with my pack on, usually to my stand.

[@charlesbrown1444]

Was hoping this video would be useful and to your point, but it wasn’t. I’ll just have to figure something out.

[@iansgarage8835]

things have all gone wrong type of channel lol.

[@Grognarthebarb]

For alittle wile I've been american carry and grab the rifle about where your hand is gonna end up. Pull up on that Then you can quickly swing the rifle up into position

[@dennispfeifer7788]

Ok. I now understand sling and rifle on the shoulder is called "American Carry". Never heard of this fancy terminology in my life...LOL WOW! I guess I've got some learnin ahead. I'm sure in Europe they must then call it "European Carry" LOL

[@Mihogan]

Great video thank you

[@travisflowers1446]

what safari sling is that?

[@Nomansland672]

I want hundred percent carry it like soldier style by the butt because I use iron sights I can hit a small orange vape pin at 300yards with a 22 and same for everything else I don't have a scope on😊

[@Maggydags]

Holy shit, the mags in and closed bolts are giving me conniptions.

[@Riflechair]

Good Video

[@suramericano]

That shotgun is beautiful! :D

[@mauriciorodriguez349]

Good video thanks

[@bradbrown9722]

You did a good job describing the 4 most common carry styles. You should’ve stopped your video at the 9 minute mark. Carrying a rifle or shotgun on your shoulder, as you described and displayed, is very dangerous. Solo or with another person. You even mentioned something like “ leaving the woods at dark” when that method is even more dangerous ( trip hazards or stumbles). Looking forward to your next vid.

[@shannonmarsden5925]

one point slimg at the range it could be good because you dont need to lean it up and risk a fall

[@diegofianza3525]

You don't do African carry justice.

[@LexYee697]

since you prefer American carry during hunting,Why not you try drawing out your rifle this way (refer video below)It's a faster way, you are hunting alone right? Then don't worry about muzzle pointed behind while drawing out your rifle, by this fast rotation method. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4Swc4CNZ7CmkM0 3.40 to 4.00

[@Nomansland672]

If you need more than seven rounds carry an extra magazine or you already died from missing but then if you're a good shot you can get more headshots so therefore it doesn't matter all that matters Eve train on each weapon get training as much as you can I know people would 1300 yd shots I can not capable I am not don't want to fight with the scope I'm good at 300

[@MyREDTAIL]

Buy an ULTRA FLEX Rubber Sling & your carry problems will be over for caring your Rifle, Shotgun , or Bow, Great Product Period, Worth the extra $$$$$$

[@manouchecool]

Try CG Elite sling. Confort, fast.

[@Huntinggearguy]

Interesting, looks like a play on a 3 point sling.

[@jeremy67A]

Where did u buy the safari sling?

[@Huntinggearguy]

+jeremy67A Local gun store. Cabela's has them: www.cabelas.ca/product/4951/safari-rifle-sling

[@shawnwells5719]

Gotta be a masochist to want to carry a Garand hunting. Makes a decent stand rifle, where you can charge it and wait safely, but packing it around, misery.

[@thequantumvacuum]

Ha ha ha ha, you're bald. Wait, so am i ... DAMN IT!

[@paintur68]

Bald is hot.

[@ralphchurch7]

african carry??

[@Bowhunter328]

Slung on off hand side barrel down

[@timtrial3971]

2:30 this is not so good for the man following you. Also some people will use some tape on the end of the muzzle to prevent soil from entering

[@GuitarGuy650]

Maybe don't walk directly behind a loaded firearm?

[@dennispfeifer7788]

Oh Bro. I can see you have things to learn. I watched about 3 minutes and can help you. You are wrong wrong wrong when you said the rifle on the shoulder with the sling is a slow to bring it up and you don't think it's good position. It's one of the best. Yes you are correct, if you do it the way you did in the video. Many hunters can to it in one to two seconds and can be firing hot lead downrange. Here's the trick. When you see a rabbit or deer jump up just reach back behind you with the right hand and grab the wrist of the rifle stock and twirl it up with a quick flip, its a fast as a baton twirler with her baton... yes you can do it that fast. 1-2 seconds and you are putting hot lead downrange. I showed my neighbor how to do it one day and he was shocked and all I heard him say was godddd!!!! It's not a secret and I have seen it done in war movies with a Thompson but I just learned it on my own as a kid over 50 years ago. Now, I'm gonna watch the rest of your video and may comment a second time if needed.

[@tedbundy7167]

Are you Voldemort??