[DaveTinCT]

My take on it is this: when you're walking or running with the rifle and not actively firing while moving, the barrel will be pointing more naturally (and comfortably) to about a 10 'o clock position (or about 45 degrees to the left of dead center) being right handed. If the soldier is left handed, then the barrel is pointing to about a 2 o' clock position. Moving it to a shooting position is quick and easy.
Obviously, when shooting, you're going to be looking right down the sights and rarely does one shoot from the hip. Audie Murphy, maybe, but not the average Joe. :-)
Dave T

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Thank you U.S. WWII combat veterans