[ShelledPants]

Point in safe direction.
Remove source of ammunition.
Observe the feed path.
Verify the feed path.
Examine the bore.

EDIT:

I cringe every time I see someone do this on the range.

In my experience, each previous point overides the next, you must always point in a safe direction. Therefore, examining the bore from the muzzle (though taught and required to say to pass your test) is the most retarded thing about sitting the PAL.

You can observe an sight obstructed bore with a bore light at the muzzle end, or you can put the light AT THE MUZZLE end and observe from the breach. This is the way it's done on the range. Point at a bright spot down range and observe the feed path. It can be done in only a few seconds.