What is the recommended initial safety check before attempting to disassemble a firearm?

• A. Remove the magazine only.
• B. Verify the firearm is loaded.
• C. Verify unloaded, remove magazine, and ensure the chamber is empty.
• D. Wipe exterior while the firearm is loaded.

Answer: (C)

The main safety principle is to treat every firearm as if it’s loaded and only begin disassembly once you are sure it is completely unloaded. The best initial safety check is to verify the firearm is unloaded, remove the magazine, and confirm the chamber is empty. This sequence eliminates any possibility of a round being in the chamber or feeding from the magazine: removing the magazine stops new rounds from feeding, cycling the action ejects any chambered round, and a careful visual and physical check confirms the chamber is clear. Only after this confirmation should you proceed with disassembly.

Choosing anything other than this leaves a risk: removing the magazine alone can miss a round in the chamber; asserting it’s loaded does not ensure it isn’t unloaded; and attempting to wipe or work on a firearm while it could be loaded is dangerous.