My Grandpappy taught me all firearms are loaded always!
Even if You stood there and just unloaded the weapon and know for certain there is no ammo in that weapon, it is still loaded and you still do not point it at anything you do not intend kill or destroy.
The only time I was allowed to look down a barrel was AFTER the weapon and been disassembled to a point that it was impossible for it to fire, and even then you still considered it loaded and dangerous.
Sounds foolish ehh? Well, I have been handling firearms for over 35 years and no accidents to date. My Grandpappy knew his stuff and taught me well.
You do not lean over a automatic weapon unless you are an idiot and like to tempt fate. BTW even though the mag is out I believe that weapon can still fire if a round is chambered.
Yes, but if the mag is out, the bolt is back and the chamber is empty, there is no way in hell it's gonna fire. Disassembly not required to determine that.
I still get the willies looking down the barrel of a gun in that condition, but I'm not afraid to do so.