A recent book by John Michael Priest, Antietam, The Soldiers Battle, unfortunately continues to perpetuate this myth in at least two cases. In combat, carrying the piece at Right Shoulder Shift keeps it out of action until it is brought first to the front, and then forward. At Arms-Port, the rear rank is immediately ready to step into action should his file leader fall. Arms-Port is also a natural position to carry the piece when moving quickly. However, the position of Arms-Port is safer than either Charge Bayonet or Right Shoulder Shift.
Safety is a paramount concern in reenacting.
When the lines close, bringing the piece down to a Charge, even without bayonets, is very dangerous. Perhaps this practice should be adopted throughout the hobby. The Color Guard When marching in line of battle, the Color Rank and general guides are six paces in front of the battalion. However, when a line is to close with the enemy, the Color Rank retires to the front rank, as noted in Para. But when the command is to close with the enemy, there is no sense for the Color and general guides to be precariously out in front - the need for the line to remain straight now being secondary to striking hard and quickly.