Originally Posted by
whipsnade
This is the only rule as far as I am concerned. Experience has taught me that it is correct and it has proven to be lifesaving.
Incident 1) I was a a gunsmith's shop and during examination of the gun I wanted worked on I was handed a pistol with a round in the chamber.
Incident 2) A LEO friend stopped by to see me and I asked to see his Glock since I had never handled one before (this was a few years ago). He handed me his pistol and when I went to safety check it, it had a round in the chamber.
In addition to those incidents I have been at two gun shows where shots were fired from weapons being examined for sale. At one show the round entered the ceiling, at the other show the round entered someone's thigh.
Both were some years ago but I still am wary at gun shows when people are sweeping barrels around as if they are toys. I always assume a gun is loaded unless the bolt or cylinder is open and I have checked it. I do not trust anyone else to check it. That may sound crazy but it is up to me to protect me.