There are over 18,000 LE agency in the U.S. That's 18,000 possibilities for what is "standard". At the two agencies for which I have worked, standard is making sure the chamber is empty, dropping the hammer, and loading the magazine. This allows the action to be worked without having to hit the action release button.
I had an ER nurse in a class. I noticed she kept taking all head shots. Her response when asked why, "'I've seen too many people who have been shot in the chest putting up a fight in the ER." Point taken.
My major dislike of the 870 is the location of the action release, which requires one hand or other (absent long, dexterous fingers) to move from their respective firing positions. I much prefer the location on Mossbergs.
I prefer to leave the hammer back and safety on.
1) On some loose guns, the action can start to open up just from vibrating around in the vehicle
2) A small hedge against unauthorized access
A preferred method if you can't manipulate the shell under the lifter.
Last edited by Chuck Whitlock; 10-01-2018 at 09:16 AM.
"It's surprising how often you start wondering just how featureless a desert some people's inner landscapes must be."
-Maple Syrup Actual