Quote: All that said I don't really thing there would be enough force in just the slight spring tension to ever set off a round even if the rifle was dropped from a height.
Could hitting the rifle butt a solid blow (as if dropped from a tree stand) in this condition cause an accidental discharge? No one can say absolutely, for sure one way or the other, but odds are darn sure greater that it would, than if safety was on and bolt handle lifted. To fire w/bolt handle lifted and safety on, three things have to happen; 1)bolt rotate to closed position, 2) Safety fail or moved to "fire" position, & 3) trigger depressed or jarred sufficiently to trip the sear.
I'll take my chances with the open bolt and happy to see you qualify above w/following:
Quote: So, thinking of it technically it seems like it would probably be safe. I WOULD NEVER DO, OR SUGGEST, OR CONDONE SUCH ACTION, but i doubt very seriously if it is likely a safety issue.
I know I'm gonna catch he-double hockey stick for this, but remember I said I'd never do, suggest, or condone it.
No hockey sticks here 
, just sayin' 
.
Regards,
hm
