Rhode Island Blue Card Practice Test

What should you do before picking up a pistol regarding the barrel?

1. Check for possible obstructions by looking down the barrel

2. Ensure the gun is unloaded

3. Point the muzzle in a safe direction

4. Always keep it pointed at the ground

The correct answer is: Ensure the gun is unloaded

Ensuring that the gun is unloaded before picking up a pistol is crucial for firearm safety. This practice minimizes the risk of an accidental discharge, which can result in serious injury or death. By making sure the firearm is unloaded, you confirm that no ammunition is present, which is fundamental to handling any firearm safely. This step is part of the basic rules of firearm safety, which emphasize the importance of knowing the condition of a firearm before handling it. The other choices present actions that are often important, but they should follow the initial confirmation that the gun is unloaded. For example, checking for obstructions in the barrel is typically done during a cleaning or inspection phase and should not be the first priority when picking up a firearm. Pointing the muzzle in a safe direction is indeed necessary, but again, this should happen after confirming the firearm is unloaded to ensure you are handling it safely. Similarly, while keeping the muzzle pointed down can be safe in many scenarios, confirmation that the gun is unloaded remains the foundational step in safe firearm handling practices.