stupid pump question
 

i have an over/under shotgun that i use snap caps to release the hammer when i store it. people have told me that you should do that and not to leave it cocked. not sure why, but i do it anyway.

now i just got a pump rifle. is there a way to do the same thing with a pump? currently i'm storing it with the action open. i actually haven't tried squeezing the trigger when it's open, just assumed you can't. or should i be closing the action, squeezing the trigger with snap caps, and storing it like that.

I store with snap caps if I store long term..real long term. Otherwise I always leave the breech open, pump or auto loader.

I have snap caps but never use them. I also do like leaving my auto loader open. To much pressure on the spring to leave it like that. You can dry fire it without the caps wont harm it any.