In a clearance check, which sequence helps verify the firearm is unloaded?

• A. Remove the magazine; lock slide to rear; visually inspect chamber and confirm empty.
• B. Lock the slide to rear; rack the slide; attempt to fire to confirm.
• C. Remove the magazine; wipe exterior; re-holster.
• D. Release the safety; close action; holster.

Answer: (A)

This tests performing a proper clearance check to verify a firearm is unloaded. To be sure, you first remove the magazine so no round can feed into the chamber. Then you lock the slide to the rear, which exposes and clearly reveals the chamber and the magazine well. Finally, you visually inspect the chamber (and magazine area) to confirm that it is empty. This sequence provides a definitive check: with the magazine out and the slide locked back, you can see that no cartridge is in the chamber and none is loaded in the magazine.

Why this is the best approach: removing the magazine eliminates the feeding source, and locking the slide back exposes the chamber so you can verify there’s no round present. A visual check confirms emptiness beyond any doubt.

Other options don’t fit safety and verification needs. Attempting to fire to confirm emptiness is dangerous and inappropriate during a clearance check. Simply wiping the exterior and re-holstering does not verify the chamber or magazine status. Releasing safety, closing the action, and holstering does not constitute a proper chamber check and could allow a round to remain in the firearm.