I do the same thing with my Mosin (91/30) when I use it for deer hunting. Rather than work the bolt (and scare the deer), or carry it hot (not safe), I chamber a round, point it in a safe direction, then CAREFULLY lower the cocking piece
slowly by hand while holding down the trigger.
Presto--uncocked with a round in the chamber. When I want to take a shot, rather than having to work the bolt (which the deer probably will hear), I carefully pull the cocking knob back, and I'm ready to shoot.
At first I was worried about it going off if I dropped or bumped the cocking piece, so I tested it. I cold-loaded the rifle and smacked the buttplate, then the cocking piece first with the palm of my hand, then with a rubber mallet. Never went off. I figure it that wouldn't make it go off, I was pretty much okay.
Still treat it like it's loaded and cocked, though. Murphy lives.