The elbow carry, also called the side carry, is a method of holding a firearm while walking in the field. The gun rests in the crook of your elbow with the muzzle pointing toward the ground. It’s one of several standard field carries taught in hunter education courses, and it’s especially well suited to break-action shotguns and rifles.
How the Elbow Carry Works
To use the elbow carry, you hook the forearm (the front portion of the gun’s stock) over the inside of your elbow so the firearm hangs along your side. The barrel points downward and slightly forward. Your arm bends naturally to cradle the weight, and your hand stays free or rests near the gun’s action.
With a break-action firearm, this carry is particularly effective. You open the action so the gun “breaks” at its hinge, then rest that pivot point right in the crook of your elbow. The open action balances nicely on your forearm, and the barrel angles even further toward the ground. Anyone walking near you can immediately see the action is open, which is a clear visual signal that the gun cannot fire.
Why Hunters Use It
Comfort is the main draw. The elbow carry distributes the gun’s weight across your forearm rather than requiring a constant grip, which makes it less tiring on long walks between stands or across open fields. It also keeps the muzzle pointed down by default, satisfying the most fundamental rule of firearm safety: always control where the barrel is aimed.
For hunters carrying break-action guns, there’s an added safety benefit. An open action means the chamber is visibly empty. Other members of your hunting party don’t have to take your word for it; they can see it at a glance.
Limitations and Risks
The elbow carry has a notable tradeoff: it offers the least muzzle control of any standard field carry. Because the gun hangs loosely at your side, a stumble, a branch catching the barrel, or an awkward step on uneven ground can swing the muzzle in an unintended direction more easily than with a two-handed carry.
This makes it a poor choice in thick brush or heavy cover, where branches and vegetation can snag the barrel or slip into the trigger guard. It’s also not ideal on steep or rocky terrain where you’re more likely to lose your footing. In those conditions, a two-handed carry gives you much better control over where the muzzle points at all times.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission puts it simply: the elbow carry should only be used when no one is walking in front of you. Because the muzzle angles forward and down, anyone ahead of you could be in the path of the barrel if the gun shifts.
When To Use a Different Carry
Hunter education courses teach several field carries, and the best one depends on the situation. Here’s how the elbow carry compares to the most common alternatives:
- Cradle carry: The gun rests across both forearms in front of your body, with the muzzle pointing to one side. This gives you more control and works better in groups because you can keep the barrel aimed away from everyone. It’s a strong choice when walking alongside other hunters.
- Two-handed or ready carry: You hold the gun with both hands, one on the grip and one on the forearm, with the muzzle pointed up or forward. This is the safest option in dense brush and also the fastest position to bring the gun up for a shot.
- Shoulder carry: The gun rests on your shoulder with the muzzle pointing up and behind you. Comfortable for long distances on flat ground, but risky if someone is walking behind you.
- Trail carry: You hold the gun by the grip with one hand, barrel pointing forward and down. Like the elbow carry, this one is best avoided in heavy brush and when other hunters are ahead of you.
No single carry is perfect for every scenario. The key principle across all of them is the same: you need to know where the muzzle is pointed at every moment, and it should never cover anything you aren’t willing to shoot.
Best Practices for the Elbow Carry
If you’re using the elbow carry, a few habits keep it safe. First, use it with a break-action firearm whenever possible, and keep the action open. This eliminates the chance of an accidental discharge entirely. Second, only use this carry on open, relatively flat ground where you have sure footing and clear sightlines. Third, position yourself at the back or side of your group so the downward-angled muzzle isn’t aimed near anyone.
Regardless of carry position, keep your finger completely outside the trigger guard while walking. The safety should stay engaged until the moment you’re ready to shoulder the gun and fire. These rules apply to every field carry, but they matter especially with the elbow carry because you have only one hand controlling the firearm.