What common practice should be followed before handling a firearm?

Verifying that the chamber and magazine are empty is a critical safety practice that must be followed before handling a firearm. This step ensures that the firearm is not loaded, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge. It is essential to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, which reinforces the importance of this practice. By checking both the chamber and the magazine, a person can confirm that the firearm is safe to handle, and this habit promotes responsible gun ownership and handling.

Other practices, such as checking if the magazine is full or ensuring the firearm is clean, do not directly address the immediate safety of handling. Having a friend handle it first introduces unnecessary risk and does not guarantee that the firearm is safe. Therefore, the practice of making sure that the firearm is unloaded is foundational for safe firearm handling.