New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam 2026 - Free Firearms Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ensuring that the firearm is unloaded is the crucial first step before cleaning it. This step is essential for safety; it prevents accidental discharge, which can lead to serious injury or death. Before any maintenance or cleaning procedure, a responsible firearm owner must ascertain that the weapon is completely unloaded, including checking the chamber and magazine.

By making this a priority, you create a safe environment for cleaning and handling the firearm. Other steps, such as disassembling the firearm or wiping it down, can only follow after confirming it is safe to proceed. Checking that the firearm is unloaded helps establish good safety practices that every responsible firearm owner should adopt.