New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

When hunting, what is the safest way to proceed after falling in water with your firearm?

1. Immediately continue hunting

2. Unload and check the firearm for obstructions

3. Dry the exterior with a towel

4. Fire the gun in a safe direction to clear water

The correct answer is: Unload and check the firearm for obstructions

Falling in water with a firearm can be a dangerous situation. Option A is incorrect because immediately continuing hunting could result in an accidental discharge of the firearm or difficulty in handling the wet gun. Option C is also incorrect because simply drying the exterior of the gun does not address potential water damage to the internal mechanisms. Option D is incorrect because firing a gun in any direction, even a "safe" one, can still pose a risk to yourself or others. Option B is the safest way to proceed because it ensures that the gun is not loaded and free of any obstructions before being used again.