Bill,
Don't forget, you have a second safety on the gun-the opening lever. You can simply let the lever ride in the upright position, with a bit of spring tension against your thumb. Snap the action closed before you need to take the shot. Make sure you don't have any fingers or skin from them in a position to get pinched twixt the breech and the barrels when you close the gun. That definitely will leave a mark.
I wouldn't mind seeing pictures of the R15. Put some up, please and thank you.

Best,
Ted