How to carry a shotgun

Step 1:
It is probably safe to assume that the gun is not loaded when you first pick it up but only if it is your gun. If in doubt,I prefer the Austrian method, slip the safety off, point the gun straight up and fire. Then, break the shotgun to load it. It is always best to carry your gun loaded so that you fire in an instant.

Step 2:
Place your shotgun licence in a readily accessible place so that in case of accidents (lets face it, we are all human) it can be quickly produced for the police.

Step 3:
Pass your arm around the shotgun so that the stock comes to rest in the crook of your elbow as if you are helping a blind lady across a busy road. Allow the gun to dangle down so that the barrel points to the ground roughly at the same angle as a cheese portion.

Step 4:
Switch your carry position if your arm becomes tired by resting the gun, right side up, on your shoulder like a sleeping child. Hold the gun's barrel with the hand on the opposite side of the shoulder that the gun rests on. You can use your other hand to stabilize the gun at a position closer to the butt. Resist the temptation to walk backwards.

Definition of a shotgun
A light, smooth-bored gun, often double-barrelled, especially designed for firing small shot at short range, and killing things.