Before cleaning your firearm, what should you remove?

Before cleaning your firearm, it is essential to remove all ammunition. This safety precaution ensures that there is no possibility of an accidental discharge while you are handling the firearm. Having ammunition in the firearm while cleaning poses a serious safety risk, as any unexpected movement could lead to a dangerous situation.

Ensuring that the firearm is completely free of ammunition allows you to focus on cleaning with confidence, knowing that the gun is safe to handle. This fundamental step is crucial in responsible firearm ownership and adheres to standard safety protocols recommended in hunter safety courses.

The other options, while related to firearm maintenance or safety, do not address the immediate risk of an unintended discharge from a loaded firearm. Removing oil, the barrel, or scope may be part of maintenance procedures, but they are not as critical to your safety as ensuring that the firearm is clear of ammunition.