Prepare for the New York Firearms Safety Course Exam. Test your understanding with detailed multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations. Earn your certification with confidence!

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

  1. Unload the gun

  2. Put on safety glasses

  3. Disassemble the gun

  4. Read the manual

The correct answer is: Unload the gun

The first step before cleaning your gun is to unload it. This is a critical safety measure that ensures there are no rounds in the chamber and that the firearm is safe to handle. Unloading the gun helps prevent any accidental discharge, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. While wearing safety glasses, disassembling the gun, or reading the manual are important aspects of firearm safety and maintenance, they are secondary steps. Safety glasses are essential for protecting your eyes during cleaning, disassembling the gun is necessary for thorough cleaning, and referencing the manual can provide guidance on proper disassembly and maintenance protocols. However, these actions should only be carried out once you have ensured the gun is unloaded. By prioritizing unloading, you establish a safe working environment for the subsequent steps in the cleaning process.