New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

Before cleaning your firearm, what is the first thing you should do?

1. Disassemble the firearm

2. Unload the firearm

3. Put on safety glasses

4. Wipe the outside with a cloth

The correct answer is: Unload the firearm

The first step before cleaning your firearm is to unload it. This is a critical safety measure, as ensuring that the firearm is completely free of ammunition eliminates the risk of accidental discharge during the cleaning process. By confirming that there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine, you protect yourself and others in the vicinity from potential harm. Disassembling the firearm, while necessary for a thorough cleaning, should only happen after confirming it is unloaded. Wearing safety glasses is important for protecting your eyes during the cleaning process, but safety takes precedence before any cleaning actions are initiated. Wiping the outside with a cloth is a routine maintenance step but also should follow unloading to avoid any safety hazards. Thus, unloading the firearm is the foundational action that precedes any subsequent steps in the cleaning process.