New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

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

1. Unload it completely

2. Disassemble it fully

3. Put on gloves

4. Lock the action open

The correct answer is: Unload it completely

The correct answer, which involves unloading the firearm completely, is crucial for ensuring safety before any cleaning begins. When you handle a firearm, the most important step is to eliminate any risk of accidental discharge. Unloading the firearm guarantees that there are no live rounds in the chamber, magazine, or any part of the weapon that could cause harm. By prioritizing this step, you create a safe environment that allows you to conduct maintenance without the anxiety of handling a loaded weapon. While disassembling the firearm, wearing gloves, and locking the action open are also important practices in firearm handling and maintenance, they should follow the complete unloading to maintain safety as the highest priority.