Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off (it has to be because the safety won't engage if the hammer is down) dust cover closed. No fumbling with trying to acquire the safety and turn it off after charging the chamber.
Run the charging handle and you're ready to engage. If the threat is not imminent, engage the safety.
For those who say that they can disengage the safety as fast as the above-mentioned practice. Try doing it while someone is shooting at you. It does make a difference.
It's the way I was taught to fight with the Remington 870 and the AR-15/M-16. It works.
Ed
Good post.
