Remington rifles are safe as the owner is. Never load a round into the chamber untill you are ready to shoot. Period. The documentary film about Remington rifles was about a boy that was killed when his mom was on her horse, with the loaded rifle going off. Guns can fire when loaded, that is the fact most people neglect to consider. Companies engaged in the manufacter of guns have made great strides in saftey by blocking the firing pin from the bullet by way of a transfer bar. Please, point your weapon in a safe direction, and treat any weapon as if it was loaded.