[smokingfrog]

The article says he was shot AFTER deer hunting, so the rifle probably should not have been loaded in the first place. Which brings up the topic of removable magazines. One of the things the gun lobby likes to ban. A removable magazine is the safest way to unload a firearm, but I don't often see people making that argument.

[TexasRepublic]

“A removable magazine is the safest way to unload a firearm, but I don’t often see people making that argument.”

I think a common mistake people make is removing the magazine, but not realizing a round may still be in the chamber.

[Shooter 2.5]

A removable magazine is the safest way to unload a firearm, but I don't often see people making that argument.

Because it's not. Dropping the magazine doesn't unload a firearm by that act alone.

1. Drop the mag.
2.Pull back the slide or bolt.
3.Look inside the chamber to see it's empty.
The firearm is now unloaded.