I was looking over a Glock 20 at an area gunshow over the weekend. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the Glock 20 I had traded in on another firearm a few years earlier! At least, it sure looked alot like it - I had installed a funky set of bar-dot/bar-bar nightsights on mine when I had it, and this sample had the exact same sights. Couldn't remember the serial number, sadly.
Anyway: when I was finished fondling my old friend (okay, that sounds bad), I handed it back to the lady grip first, slide locked open.
The poor girl couldn't get the slide to release. I apologized, explained that I always return firearms in that condition after handling for safety reasons, released the slide for her, and returned it again.
I hope the Glock 20 found a good home. If it's still there next show, I may be forced to rescue it from languishing in a display case.
Rules I try to live by for handling someone's firearm:
1. I always keep the muzzle pointed in as safe a direction as possible.
2. I always check to ensure the firearm is not loaded, even if the owner just checked it right in front of me. Magazine is always out.
3. I always ask before opening the cylinder of a revolver, or before dry firing any gun. If possible, I try to block the hammer from striking home using my finger. (Ow, some of those hammers are flung by strong springs!) I don't even like to use a pen for fear it might be too harsh..
4. I always try to return the firearm grip first, cylinder open or slide locked back with magazine removed.