While this is true, in some states you can't possess a field tip in field in deer season. Mention was made cocked sans arrow =loaded. Where I live there is no dirt, just rocks. It's an alternative method for those interested. I've done it hundreds of times w/ no ill effects. A major mfgr has a video on how to do it. I use care whenever I pick up any weapon, have Win 97 shotgun, hammer 1/2 cock safety and a HS HDM .22 pistol, another hammer gun, so I'm used to the safety thing, as Excals have manual safety.