This is why you check the chamber

[gljjt]

My own drill for checking/unloading:

1. Point in a safe direction.
2. Drop the mag and move it well away.
3. Cycle the slide 3-4 times then hold it back and peek into the chamber. Move the ejected round to join the magazine.
4. Close the slide then lock it back with the slide-stop and peek again to make doubly-sure.

Now I'm happy that it's safe to dry-fire, strip it down for cleaning or whatever.

Great process there AndyC. Your comment about moving the magazine well away reminds me that I also do the same. If I am cleaning or working on a firearm, it is an 'ammunition free zone'. Reducing every opportunity to make a stupid (painful-expensive-deadly) mistake.

[Tazman]

I need to get a sand bucket and do it over that though. I live in an apartment complex and you can never be so sure that any direction is completely "safe."

Does a sand bucket really work? I have never tried it before so just curious.

[Pawpaw]

Yes, it works. When I was in the USAF, they always had a 55 gallon drum half full of sand and sitting in a stand that tilted it about 45 degrees. Unloading of weapons had to be done with the muzzle in the barrel.