If you are unsure whether a firearm is loaded, what should you do?

If you are unsure whether a firearm is loaded, what should you do?

• A. Assume unloaded and proceed with normal operations.
• B. Treat it as loaded; perform a safe check by clearing the chamber and magazine.
• C. Peek into the chamber without clearing the magazine.
• D. Hand it to a range officer without checking.

Answer: (B)

When you’re unsure if a firearm is loaded, you must treat it as loaded and verify it by clearing both the chamber and the magazine. This safety practice eliminates uncertainty and prevents a possible discharge. Start with the firearm pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger. Remove the magazine first, then rack the slide (or open the action) to eject any chambered round. Visually and physically check the chamber to ensure it’s empty, and also inspect the magazine well to confirm there are no rounds in the magazine. If you find a round, follow proper safety procedures to remove it and keep the firearm pointed safely throughout. Only after you have confirmed there are no rounds should you proceed.

When you’re unsure if a firearm is loaded, you must treat it as loaded and verify it by clearing both the chamber and the magazine. This safety practice eliminates uncertainty and prevents a possible discharge.

Start with the firearm pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger. Remove the magazine first, then rack the slide (or open the action) to eject any chambered round. Visually and physically check the chamber to ensure it’s empty, and also inspect the magazine well to confirm there are no rounds in the magazine. If you find a round, follow proper safety procedures to remove it and keep the firearm pointed safely throughout. Only after you have confirmed there are no rounds should you proceed.