While reading through the various comments and information at the Charlie Da Tuna web site, I happened upon a posting which showed where a Break Barrel air rifle had "Closed while Loading" and resulted in the guy loosing a chunk of Thumb(meat and bone with flicks).

It recommended holding the Barrel in place with one hand - after it was Cocked - while inserting the Pellet into the chamber with the other hand. That way the barrel can't Snap-Shut while your Loading finger(s) or thumb is in the way.

Mentioned it to my buddy, Ralph, and that is the way we have been doing it ever since.
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Yesterday Ralph called and said he was watching a show about Air Rifles. They brought this subject up and had a different way of Loading which seems to be even SAFER!

They recommended inserting the Pellet as soon as you first slap the barrel free from the normal upright Locked-In position - before Cocking. Once the Pellet is inserted, then Cock the rifle and immediately return the barrel to the Locked-In position. When it is done that way, there is No Chance that your finger(s) or thumb can become a casualty.
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Most of you are probably already aware of that bit of info, but it is all new to both me and Ralph. Makes great sense.

Comments and/or suggestions on a better way???

Thanks for that tip, I have a BSA Supersport and I'm going to start doing it that way. I have thought many times about what would happen if that barrel slammed shut while my fingers were in the way.

I've seen that done twice IT'S NOT PRETTY.

The "load barrel before cocking" is the correct way, but some big scopes don't leave room for it.
So if that's the case with your gun always keep a grip on the barrel when putting a pellet in.

I've also seen an underlever gun with a safety lock fail.

I forgot the pop up loading ports or the turn taps that some lever guns have is nice and safe.

I forgot the pop up loading ports or the turn taps that some lever guns have is nice and safe.

That put a hole through the guys thumb like a paper punch.
Holding on to the lever will stop it if the trigger lets it go, but I can imagine a failure that would still allow the breach to close, with the lever held. It would be extremely unlikely, but I stick to Break Barrels or Pre Charged guns as I still have all my fingers and thumbs intact and would like it to stay that way.
Lot's of Airgunsmiths and the manufactures say it's imposable with the anti-beartrap devices in most guns but I've seen it happen. Only once but that's enough for me.
When cocked a bit of metal holds the piston by being locked in a slot in the piston. So if the bit of metal breaks or the piston fails the piston will go.

Some lever action guns have a pop up or a loading tap they are nice and safe.

this is why i ONLY have sidestroke aurguns, with the anti-beartrap racketting gear rack ..
get an m30 and enjoy it!