Yep, or just pull the trigger and if there is a loud noise and bright flash, IT WAS LOADED.
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But is it still loaded? Better pull the trigger again.
Through all my training it was drilled in us that we should use the same procedures for chambering of a round whether day or night so we were taught to put your finger in to feel the round and since you cant see a round in the dark you need more of a tactile option. Now with an ar you can check the top round in the mag and after chambering a round drop the mag and make sure the round is on the opposite side. This can be done in the dark as well as light but i also use the finger in ejection port for an ar too.
As to the not knowing why part, i would imagine that you are far more likely to have a firearm related instance in the dark ie bump in the night and it isnt wise to cut on the light for a few seconds to verify you have one chambered. But hey to each their own.
I agree that a tactile check is the most consistent way to execute a press check. What I'm still somewhat confused at, taking your example above is this. If there's a bump in the night, why isn't the firearm already loaded???
I'll ask this again. If press checks are important, why does no one do a press check after an emergency reload, or even a tactical reload? Why don't we do press checks between shots?
Will press checking while wearing a covid 19 mask ad yet another level of self assurance?