Interesting post, but can I recommend one thing:
Never look down the barrel of a weapon - EVER. Look from the breach toward the end of the barrel.
If the weapon is a semi-automatic (I think these are illegal nowadays) and the magazine is removed you will see daylight when you point the barrel at the Sun. The same is achieved in with a bolt action rifle with the breach open.
If you have to transport a rifle or pistol ask for the firing mechanism to be removed (bolt, receiver etc) that way you will know that it cannot be fired.
