Before cleaning a firearm, you should first__________

Before cleaning a firearm, it is essential to make sure that the firearm is unloaded, which is the correct step to take. This crucial safety measure helps prevent accidental discharges while performing maintenance on the firearm. Ensuring the firearm is unloaded involves checking the chamber, magazine, and any other potential bullet storage areas to confirm that no ammunition is present.

This practice is a fundamental aspect of firearm safety and is emphasized in hunter's education to instill responsible handling habits. By always unloading the firearm first, you significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others in the vicinity during the cleaning process.

In contrast, engaging with the safety mechanism or removing cleaning supplies doesn't address the immediate and critical concern of ensuring that the firearm cannot accidentally discharge. Similarly, trying to remove fingerprints from the barrel is not relevant to the cleaning process in the context of safety and can detract from the primary goal of handling the firearm responsibly.