MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

When conducting an administrative unload for your handgun, what should you do first?

1. Cycle the handgun

2. Lock the slide

3. Take the magazine out

4. Check chamber for obstruction

The correct answer is: Take the magazine out

When conducting an administrative unload for a handgun, the first step is to take the magazine out. This action is critical because it ensures that no ammunition is feeding into the chamber when you subsequently attempt to cycle the handgun. Removing the magazine is a foundational safety measure to ensure that the firearm is completely devoid of ammunition before you proceed with any further unloading steps. Locking the slide, cycling the handgun to extract a cartridge, or checking for chamber obstructions are important steps that follow the removal of the magazine. However, without first taking out the magazine, there is still a risk that a round could be in the chamber, which would create a dangerous situation. Ensuring that the magazine is removed first provides an added layer of safety while handling the firearm.