My point with pulling the mag first was mainly aimed at those who would "decock" a loaded open bolt gun, rather than "unload" it. Also, due to the majority of people being unfamiliar with the open bolt guns and thinking its OK to drop the bolt, even on a loaded mag, thinking it will just chamber the round and not fire it. I've had this happen a couple of times, even with people who should know better and even after I warned them. Old habits I guess. I remove the mag before doing anything as it removes the source of the problem. I then pull the bolt back and check the chamber and then lower it to show its safe.(open bolt guns are shown "safe" with the bolt closed, at least around here and with those I shoot with) To load, you insert the mag first, then cock it, especially if the person shooting it is unfamiliar with it, otherwise, you are putting a loaded mag into a "cocked and ready" gun that will fire. Again, to those who are unfamiliar with them, they look safe(r), even with a mag in the gun, when the bolt is open, like a closed bolt gun or a semi auto. Open bolt guns can be hairy sometimes, especially if you are unfamiliar with them. The bolt does not need to be locked back for the gun to fire and only needs to go back far enough to strip a round and then go back forward. Some MAC's, especially the M11/9's with the small charging handle, can be hairy if your hands are sweaty and you try to pull back on the knob, as it can easily slip. I know, its happened to me and the gun did fire. You also have to make sure that even with the bolt down on a loaded mag, the gun is not safe unless the safety is on(which locks the bolt) as it is possible for the gun to fire if dropped. Another issue(mostly with novice shooters but not always) with any SMG, regarless of type is, you have to keep that finger off or away from the trigger while loading or if the gun stops running. I know it sounds silly and like you would never do it, but if the bolt should go forward(main reason you load an open bolt with the bolt closed) and you were on the trigger knowingly or not, the gun is of and running, and thats not just once, but until you stop it. Hang fires, rare as they are these days can also be a problem. I've had a batch of Spanish SMG ammo from the 50's that had a few and if you think its empty because it stopped, you might be in for a suprise when it starts to run again if you are still on that trigger. Again, this is mostly directed to those who are novices, but you never know, I've seen some "trained combat vets" do some pretty silly things when they got one in their hands.