Problem is is that there are several methods that are " acceptable " . The most common led rise to front serrations on 1911s and that is by reaching under the dust cover and grasping the slide close to the muzzle pinching it between thumb and forfinger you can slide it back enough to show status of chamber . However a press check can be done in any manner that does not sweep the muzzle over an unsafe direction , or risk contact with the fire control group , a pinch check ( which i learned and use by rote ) is less safe and involves inserting a thumb into the trigger gurard , and pinching the slide from the front to check chamber status . This is far less safe than a press check and will not work with a guide rod , but some of us are antiques and have not re learned new habits . Its funny that i press check sigs , khars , glocks , S&Ws ect.. but hand me a 1911 and ill try a pinch check every time .