What is a safety check intended to verify?

A safety check is primarily intended to verify that the firearm is not loaded. This crucial step is fundamental in firearm handling to ensure safety before handling, cleaning, or storing the weapon. By confirming that there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine, the user minimizes the risk of accidental discharge, which can have severe consequences.

While aspects such as proper functioning and maintenance are important for overall firearm safety and reliability, the immediate concern during a safety check is to prevent the risk of unintentional firing. Therefore, ensuring that a firearm is not loaded serves as the primary and most critical aspect of a safety check.