ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED AND CHAMBERED
Keep the barrel of the gun pointed in a safe direction with your finger off of the trigger.

Chambered vs Un-chambered, simple explanation:

 

A “Chambered” firearm is loaded and ready to fire simply by pulling the trigger.

 

An “Un-chambered” firearm can still be loaded but there is no ammunition in the firing position.