When field stripping the firearm, what is the first step?

When field stripping the firearm, what is the first step?

• A. Remove a loaded magazine
• B. Wipe down the exterior
• C. Check the safety
• D. Visually and physically make sure there is no live ammunition in the gun

Answer: (D)

Field stripping starts with confirming the firearm is unloaded. The best first move is to visually and physically check that there is no live ammunition in the chamber and magazine. This establishes a safe condition before any disassembly because a round can still be present even if the gun is on safe. Safeties are not a guarantee, and you must verify emptiness before proceeding. After this clearance, you would remove the magazine and continue with the disassembly. Wiping the exterior or relying on the safety alone does not address whether there is live ammo in the gun, so they do not establish the necessary safety baseline. Verifying there is no live round first prevents accidental discharges during field stripping.

Field stripping starts with confirming the firearm is unloaded. The best first move is to visually and physically check that there is no live ammunition in the chamber and magazine. This establishes a safe condition before any disassembly because a round can still be present even if the gun is on safe. Safeties are not a guarantee, and you must verify emptiness before proceeding. After this clearance, you would remove the magazine and continue with the disassembly. Wiping the exterior or relying on the safety alone does not address whether there is live ammo in the gun, so they do not establish the necessary safety baseline. Verifying there is no live round first prevents accidental discharges during field stripping.