What is the standard procedure for ensuring a firearm is safe before handling on a range?

• A. Point in a safe direction; remove magazine; lock bolt/open action; check chamber; verify empty; re-cap and re-check
• B. Point in a safe direction; keep finger on trigger; Proceed to fire
• C. Point at target; Put magazine back; Close the action
• D. Put weapon down somewhere safe and walk away

Answer: (A)

Before handling a firearm on the range, you must establish that it cannot fire and is safe to touch. The reliable method is to point the muzzle in a safe direction, remove the magazine to prevent feeding rounds, lock the bolt or open the action to expose the chamber, and then visually and physically check that the chamber is empty. After confirming by inspecting the chamber (and the magazine well), re-close the action and re-check to be certain nothing is present. This sequence keeps the muzzle safe, ensures there’s no ammunition in the chamber, and confirms the firearm cannot discharge accidentally. The other options miss essential safety steps or introduce unsafe practices, such as keeping a finger on the trigger, not removing the magazine, or walking away without confirming emptiness.