Declaring it on the line and showing it is what matters.
Boggus - I agree 100% ... showing is what does matter
If I may - let's discuss the how between a Model 1897 and Model 12:
This rule book requirements really is applicable to '97's that have an
external & visible hammer that can be either placed on the safety setting or hammer down - of course both positions on an empty chamber - that the TO or an astute RO can identify too
Page 12, Jul 2014 Handbook
RANGE OPERATIONS
• Loaded shotguns must be staged with the muzzle downrange, the action closed,
the chamber empty, and the hammer either on the safety notch or fully down.
(Failure to comply, SDQ
As for the Model 12's, the RO Committee made the decision for assurance that the
internal hammer is down accordingly:
• Shooters using the Model ‘12 shotgun must follow this additional safety
procedure:
Under the direct supervision of the TO/CRO on the firing line they must point the muzzle
in a safe direction and pull the trigger. If the hammer falls, SDQ. Failure to follow this
procedure is a SDQ. It is the shooter’s responsibility to ensure this procedure is followed
before beginning the course of fire
I support a much safer way for discussion by the Committee to determine that the Model 12 internal hammer is down on an empty chamber:
* At the loading table, with an open action, show the LO that the chamber is empty
* Rack the forearm forward
* Set the external (visable) trigger lock to the safe position ...
the pin physically blocks the trigger precluding that the firing pin can be put into battery* Then load the magazine tube
* At the line, the shooter points the muzzle in a downward safe position
* Moves the trigger lock pin off safety to the fire position
* Pulls the trigger
* The TO hears an audible noise of the hammer dropping that is positive proof that that hammer is downThe deficiency with the current procedure is: with a light trigger finger push and a heavy trigger pull ... and
no audible sound ... there is no assurance that the Model 12 hammer is down! Think about it, the model 12 has an external visible trigger lock - and is currently no being used
to show and determine with an audible sound that the hammer is down at the line before staging the shotgun and course of fire