What is the first step in cleaning your firearm?

The first step in cleaning your firearm is to point the muzzle in a safe direction and ensure it's unloaded. This is a fundamental safety measure that must be taken to prevent accidental discharges while handling the firearm. Ensuring that the firearm is unloaded is crucial because it eliminates the risk of injury to yourself or others.

By pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, you are further promoting safety, as this minimizes the chance of any unintended consequences if the firearm were to fire. This procedure is vital regardless of the cleaning process that follows, as safety should always be the top priority when handling any firearm. After confirming the firearm is unloaded and safely pointed, you can proceed with the cleaning steps effectively and safely.