I know it is contrary to most opinions, but I ease the barrels closed and ease the toplever closed. If you look at a Beretta O/U that has been shot a lot and snapped shut, you can see the holes where locking pins engage barrels loosing their roundness and becoming oval. Also believe it saves wear on top latch and barrel shoulders of high volume Kguns. I carry idea over to Supers, M21's, etc; have never had a problem from doing thus, it makes me feel better and I can't be talked out of it.

A Springer Spaniel, a 6# double and a fair day to hunt.