What must a shooter do prior to holstering their firearm?

Prior to holstering their firearm, a shooter must scan for additional threats. This practice is essential for ensuring personal safety and the safety of those around them. After firing, it is crucial to assess the environment for any ongoing dangers or potential risks. Scanning allows the shooter to be aware of their surroundings and make informed decisions about whether it is safe to holster their firearm. This practice is a key element of situational awareness and helps prevent incidents that might occur if the shooter assumes the area is secure without verification.

The other choices, while important in different contexts, do not address the immediacy of ensuring safety in the environment after using the firearm. Cleaning the firearm is vital for maintenance but is not an immediate concern before holstering. Likewise, ensuring the magazine is full is more relevant to preparation and readiness rather than the immediate action of holstering. Asking for clearance from a range officer may apply in specific settings, but it is not universally necessary and does not specifically pertain to an immediate safety scan.