California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

Before cleaning a firearm, the first step should be:

1. Disassembling the firearm completely

2. Checking the manual for instructions

3. Making sure the firearm is unloaded

4. Applying the safety mechanism

The correct answer is: Making sure the firearm is unloaded

The first step before cleaning a firearm is to ensure that the firearm is unloaded. This is a critical safety measure that must always be taken to prevent accidental discharge while handling or cleaning the firearm. By confirming that the firearm is unloaded, you significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others, as firearms can be dangerous if mishandled. Once you've established that the firearm is unloaded, you can safely proceed with other steps such as applying the safety mechanism, referring to the manual for specific cleaning instructions, or disassembling the firearm as necessary. However, verifying that it is unloaded is the paramount first step in any safe handling of firearms.