nras attempt to dumb down the rules for use plebes leads to this crap...
how does one carry for defense with an un-loaded weapon ??? of course 'use' could be defined as carrying in that sense, BUT this #3 is easy to use as 'i thought it was unloaded, rather than demanding the resepct of 'all firearms are always [considered] loaded'...
i guess im just a stickler for demanding responsibility in the fact that there are no 'accidents' because someone thought that a gun was unloaded and therefore safe...unless its broken down into component pieces on a bench, or the mag is visibly removed and action tied open...my .02...
Guns in active use are obviously loaded.
The point of number 3 is simply to ensure guns that aren't in active use are not loaded. "Use" can be defined broadly - a loaded condition one 1911 left on the kitchen counter for "home defense" - use- might be fine in one household and a hazard in another. Number 3 demands you make the assessment and act accordingly to reduce the potential for AD/ND.
It is NOT a directive to load your gun at point of use.