'African' (over the shoulder) carry ?

[TCEPH270]

The carry I refer to is when you hold the muzzle and rest the forestock on top of the shoulder.

I have seen many shows where the African PH carries his rifle in such a way and wondered how this would affect the long-term accuracy of the firearm.  This carry must bend the barrel a bit, no?

I don't carry my TC Encore Pro Hunter in this manner because of this, but wonder if this is a valid concern, or not.

Any opinions?

[Silvertp]

I wouldn't think there would be a problem with the barrel bending.  The few times I have used this carry the rifle was actually balanced on my shoulder and I only gripped the barrel enough to control the gun.  Not using the rifle barrel as a lever so there really isn't much pressure on it.

I would think when you shouldered the rifle to fire the barrel / stock would resume a "pre african carry" relationship and the gun's accuracy would not be affected.

Silvertp

[SHOOTALL]

They may carry that way because of the weight of their rifles . and a sling on a DG gun might not be wise . Just a hunch .

[GameHauler]

I have carried like that many times
mainly just to change the carry point for a rest.
I doubt you could ever harm a barrel doing that.

As far as what shootall said he has a valid point

[mcwoodduck]

I tend to carry my Elk rifles that way.
1 I can see exactly where my barrel is pointed when walking and can move it quickly to a safe place.  It also seems easier for me to move through brush with it there.
2.  It is easy to hold the rifle and still look through Binos.
The down side is you get your slimey hands on your barrel. and have to make sure you wipe off the tube at the end of the day.  Especally hot days.