"IF" you carry a hammer gun loaded, open & cocked make absolutely certain of two things. 1 that the barrels have a positive stop. some hammer guns did not & were checked from opening further by the forend iron butting against the bottom of the frame. This applies an undue stress on the forend lug & consequently the bottom rib Don't whatever you do EVER EVER Fall. This could prove disastrous to you, your dog, fellow hunter as well as your gun. My personal advise is "Don't" carry it open.

Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra