During safe clearing of a weapon, what is the step that follows removing the magazine?

• A. Point in a safe direction.
• B. Remove the magazine.
• C. Lock the slide to rear.
• D. Lock the slide to rear.

Answer: (C)

After removing the magazine, the next step is to lock the slide to the rear. This action exposes the chamber so you can visually and physically confirm that it is empty and that no round remains chambered. Locking the slide to the rear also allows any round in the chamber to be ejected and gives you a clear view of the inside of the chamber. Only after this verification would you proceed with releasing the slide forward and continuing with the clearing procedure. Keeping the weapon pointed in a safe direction remains essential throughout, but the immediate next operational step to establish a safe condition is locking the slide to the rear.