What is the first action to take before handing a firearm to someone?

Before handing a firearm to someone, the first action to take is to ensure that it is unloaded. This step is critical for safety because it eliminates the immediate risk of accidental discharge. Unloading the firearm involves checking the chamber, magazine, and any other compartment where ammunition could be stored, ensuring that no rounds are present. This foundational practice helps reinforce responsible firearm handling and promotes a culture of safety among individuals who interact with firearms.

While securing the trigger lock and proper presentation of the muzzle direction are important safety measures, they are secondary actions that follow the initial verification that the firearm is unloaded. Checking the weight of the firearm may be relevant in some contexts, but it does not directly impact the initial safety protocols for handling a firearm. Thus, confirming that the firearm is unloaded is the most crucial and logical first step in preventing accidents and ensuring safety when transferring possession of the firearm to another person.