I had exactly what Dennis described happen "Once". It was my first double & I had not had it long. I had not learned all about proper handling, except I had been taught to be aware of where it pointed. Anyway I loaded it & sort of snapped it shut & it went off. I very quickly figured out what had happened. From that day, some 60 years ago, to this I have never again loaded a double without it being cocked. I still Detest a gun which has to be held open in order to load it. I am grateful that all my guns which I use regularly clear the breech for loading before the hammers cock. When they cock it's ready to load with no further Ado.
