Describe the proper way to carry an air rifle.

Carrying an air rifle properly is crucial for ensuring safety. The preferred method is to have the muzzle pointed down and the action open. This combination ensures that the firearm is not only carried in a position that minimizes the risk of accidentally discharging it but also indicates that the weapon is not ready to fire.

Pointing the muzzle downwards significantly reduces the likelihood of causing injury in case of an accidental discharge because the direction is away from people and other unintended targets. Keeping the action open allows clear visibility that the air rifle is unloaded, which reinforces the safety precautions being taken. This practice encourages adherence to rules designed to keep everyone safe in an environment where firearms are handled.

While the other choices present various configurations, they either compromise safety or eliminate the visibility of whether the gun is loaded. Therefore, carrying the air rifle with the muzzle pointed down and the action open is recognized as the safest and most prudent method.