Should I store my Remington 870 with the hammer back or should I pull the trigger before putting it in the gun safe? I don’t know if this will cause any long-term damage to the trigger / hammer / springs inside the trigger assembly.
I don't know about ya'll, but when things go bump in the night, I'd much rather try to feel my way around to operate the pump action than fiddle around trying to find the safety button.
Snap cap goes in first, drop the hammer, them load the live rounds. In different rooms if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. My wife and daughters do it this way with their shotguns.I like the idea, Bear, but I'm too damn afraid I'd come home from the range one day, reload with self defense ammo, and screw up loading the last round with a snap cap and put a hole in the floor (and my eardrums). I'm not hot on the idea of pulling the trigger with live ammo anywhere near the gun unless I'm on the range with the muzzle pointed at a target. I just know I'd make a bonehead mistake at some point.
On the flip side, I have no problems storing with a round chambered. The shotgun's in a secure place where it can't accidentally tip over, safety's engaged, and since it's *always loaded* I can consistently treat it as an always loaded weapon.