When handing a firearm to someone else, what is NOT a necessary step?

When handing a firearm to someone else, providing instructions for operation is not a necessary step. While it is a good practice to ensure that the person receiving the firearm knows how to operate it safely, it is not universally required during the transfer. The priority during any firearm handoff is to ensure safety first and foremost.

Ensuring that the firearm is unloaded is critical to prevent any accidental discharges, which is one of the fundamental rules of firearm safety. Pointing the muzzle in a safe direction helps safeguard against unintended harm to others around. Locking the slide back to the rear serves the important function of visually confirming that the firearm is indeed unloaded, providing an additional layer of safety during the transfer. These safety measures are essential to ensure that both the person handing off the firearm and the recipient are protected from the potential risks associated with handling firearms.