Technical Questions from a novice

[Thor]

As you notice, I did say, MAKE SURE THE GUN IS EMPTY (UNLOADED FIRST) AND NOT CHAMBERING A ROUND, and also POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, prior to lowering the firing pin to a relaxed position. The alternative is the same except the gun now has a cocked firing pin?? I prefer to have all my Lugers stored empty with no ammo and without the firing pin being in the firing position. It saves the spring and the pin (dry firing can sometimes actually damage the firing pin.)