I always ask, am respectful in how I handle and point in a safe direction, after checking an empty chamber and magazine "more than once" so I am sure I didn't mis-see or miss anything.
I've never had a negligent discharge because I'm scared to death that I could have one.
Any store that won't let me properly inspect a firearm can sell to the yahoos and fruit loops, not me.
Most modern firearms are safe to dry fire. Always familiarize and know your firearm.
Some older rimfires are a no no for dry fire.
I have some P-345s among my collection that are newer firearms, even part polymer that are safe to dry fire with magazine inserted but NOT with no magazine because of the magazine disconnect safety.
From the P345D & P345 manual safety model owners manual page 17.
DRY FIRING
Going through the actions of cocking, aiming and pulling the trigger on an
unloaded gun is known as “dry firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your
pistol. Be certain that the pistol is fully unloaded (both the chamber and magazine
are empty) and that the pistol is pointing in a safe direction even when you are
practicing dry firing. The RUGER® P345® pistols can be dry-fired without
damage to the firing pin or other components as long as the magazine is inserted.
CAUTION: Dry firing your RUGER® P345® with the magazine removed may
result in damage or unnecessary wear to the firing pin blocking mechanism.
I'll reiterate that I'm respectful in all ways before I touch or squeeze any triggers and am ALWAYS a safety nazi.
I live by The 4 Rules of Gun Safety.
- Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle point at anything that you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is behind it.