Which two checks verify a firearm is unloaded before handling?

Which two checks verify a firearm is unloaded before handling?

• A. Visually inspect the chamber and physically verify the chamber and magazine are empty.
• B. Check the safety selector and extract the magazine.
• C. Confirm the serial number matches the record.
• D. Wipe the exterior with a cloth.

Answer: (A)

The essential safety check is to confirm the firearm is not loaded by making two positive verifications related to where a round could be. First, visually inspect the chamber to ensure no cartridge is visible. Then perform a physical check to verify that both the chamber and the magazine are empty, which typically involves removing the magazine and confirming there is no round in the chamber as well. These steps cover the two places ammunition can be held and together they prevent overlooking a round. Other actions, like checking a safety selector or wiping the exterior, do not prove the firearm is unloaded, and simply removing a magazine doesn’t guarantee the chamber is empty.

The essential safety check is to confirm the firearm is not loaded by making two positive verifications related to where a round could be. First, visually inspect the chamber to ensure no cartridge is visible. Then perform a physical check to verify that both the chamber and the magazine are empty, which typically involves removing the magazine and confirming there is no round in the chamber as well. These steps cover the two places ammunition can be held and together they prevent overlooking a round. Other actions, like checking a safety selector or wiping the exterior, do not prove the firearm is unloaded, and simply removing a magazine doesn’t guarantee the chamber is empty.