What should you do with the bolt of the rifle during a ready carry?

During a ready carry, maintaining the bolt in a neutral position is essential for several reasons. This stance ensures that the rifle is prepared for immediate action while also ensuring safety. A neutral position keeps the bolt closed, preventing any accidental discharge that could occur if the bolt were improperly positioned.

Additionally, by keeping the rifle in a neutral position, the shooter maintains a balanced stance, allowing for quick response times should the need arise to engage a target. This readiness enhances the overall safety and control during a potentially high-stress situation.

In contrast, locking the bolt to the rear could create a risk by signaling to others that the rifle is unloaded, which may lead to miscommunication regarding the weapon's status. Other positions, like angling the bolt at 90 degrees or lowering it to the ground, would negatively affect both stability and readiness, potentially compromising the user's ability to respond swiftly. Maintaining a neutral position allows the shooter to be continually prepared without sacrificing safety.