I was taught the following way by a yeoman Worcestershire farmer sadly gone before us. It's a safety related thing but mechanically correct too. I say taught but it was more enforcement; any safety transgression was punished mercilessly.

Drop the gun open so that the barrels are pointed at the ground in front of you; take a couple of cartridges out of your pocket and drop them in; then smartly raise the stock and action to meet the barrels, not t'other way round. You now have a choice as to which way you hold the gun ... up to you and circumstances.

No need to twiddle with the top lever, a smart closure ensures a tight lock up.

Eug

Last edited by eugene molloy; 07/05/08 01:40 PM.
Thank you, very kind. Mine's a pint