Step one of clearing the M16/M4 rifle is to attempt to place the weapon on SAFE. ALWAYS!
Whatever happens during that step should speak volumes.
"Press check" an AR platform?
Hammer down on a cleared chamber is the statistically proven safest storage procedure proven by the US Gov't.
It is built into the Manual of Arms, and follows every Inspection Arms (Ready, Order, Arms) and Function Check.
A trigger can NOT be tripped with the hammer down.
Safety "On SAFE" means the hammer is cocked. NOTHING gets storage with a cocked hammer. Nothing.
Carry hot? Chamber hot, safety ON.
Carry cleared, Magazine or no magazine, chamber clear, hammer down.
Hammer down isn’t statistically proven for anything. The US Military as a whole has the highest instances of ND’s per capita than any other group I’ve ever been around. It’s happens all the time.
As for the rest of your post.... it’s interesting to note, that the places (very few) in the military where having an ND will get you relieved and kicked out all run safety on. You don’t see I rifle hardly ever- even in storage without a safety engaged. If an armorer for whatever reason dropped the hammer to store it, the first things that happens when I guy checks it out is to attempt to put it on safe, lock the bolt to the rear, engage safety, check chamber.
