What is a disadvantage of the elbow/side carry?

The elbow/side carry is a method used for transporting a firearm that offers certain advantages in stability and control, but it is important to recognize its disadvantages as well. One significant disadvantage of this carry method is that it has the least muzzle control. When a firearm is held using the elbow/side carry, the muzzle can point in unsafe directions more easily, especially if the handler is not vigilant about maintaining control of the weapon.

Safe firearm handling dictates that the muzzle of the gun should be pointed in a safe direction at all times. With the elbow/side carry, if the firearm is not positioned correctly or if the handler shifts their body or moves unexpectedly, the muzzle may inadvertently point toward bystanders or unintended targets, increasing the risk of an accident.

Maintaining proper muzzle control is critical for ensuring safety in any hunting or shooting situation, and recognizing when certain carry methods compromise that control is vital for responsible firearm handling.