I do not know about that. What is backwards? Customs vary from place to place. I have in my travels around the globe been with a couple of groups where it was common to carry the firearm over the shoulder with the but stock to the rear. The carrier holding on to the barrel naturally points the barrel at chest level of anyone in front of the carrier.

When I asked about this practice it was explained that it is more comfortable to carry barrel forward when walking long distances. The person also noted that he was used to hunting in Africa where one has a porter walking in front of them so they only had to reach forward in case they urgently needed their rifle.

Having been firmly put in my place I regretfully declined further opportunities to walk in front of assorted gun barrels.