aaaaAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

*runs away in a screaming fit*

BANG!!!!!!!

oops...

Sgt. to the left has bayonet fixed - no barrel inspection there then.

Officers! You've got to love 'em.

Check buddy's right thumb.

Cheers

looks like an FN: so a lot safer to that than with an AK.

It's been a while but I seem to remember being taught a similar drill manoeveur involving the thumbnail being insterted into the chamber to reflect light up the barrel. Can't definitely remember whether a mag was attached but it probably was as all parade ground weapons drill is with magazine. Their uniforms also seem properly starched and ironed so I'd be inclined to give them a pass.

Never point the muzzle of a weapon at anything you don't want to destroy.

I don't care where the other guy's thumb is, this is downright STUPID.

You can inspect the barrel just as easily by holding it skyward and peering through the breech. Better yet, the barrel should be inspected with the upper receiver removed, if possible.

But even visual inspection is inadequate. The BEST way to inspect a barrel is to pull a clean patch through the barrel with a rod and see how dirty it comes out.

A proper inspection is done by an armorer with the weapon disassembled upon turn-in. In-ranks inspections are mostly for show, to spot-check squad leaders, or to detect obvious deficiencies.