I know I am going to regret this, but here goes.
If the long gun is the last firearm used, it must be cleared prior to it leaving the shooter’s hand(s) at the unloading area. (SHB page 17 & SHB page 16). There are some exemptions but let's go with this as the scenario.
Two questions:
1. I couldn't find a specific penalty in the SHB at the two locations above (so long as it is clear and open, and assuming I put it down and went back to pick up the SG), I could be missing something?
2. This seems a little counter intuitive (I got a Thesaurus for my birthday), I can shoot the rifle dry (I can't count to ten) and put it down clear and open when I am moving to another string (say SG) and then at the completion of the travesty I call a stage I go back pick up my rifle and drag my sorry tail to the ULT to the sound of laughter from my pose. However, if the rifle is last, I can't put it down (clear and open) go back pick up my SG and then pick up the rifle on my way thru to the ULT (still laughter in the background).
I am sure there is a reason for this, but I can't see it, please feel free to point out the obvious I have missed.