What must be verified before any firearm cleaning?

Before cleaning a firearm, it is crucial to verify that the firearm is empty and unloaded. This step is essential to ensure the safety of the individual performing the cleaning and anyone nearby. Firearms can unintentionally discharge if a round is chambered and the trigger is pulled, making a thorough check for ammunition vital before proceeding with any maintenance or cleaning procedures. This practice aligns with general firearm safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging that a firearm should always be treated as if it is loaded until proven otherwise.

While proper storage of the firearm and ensuring that the safety is engaged might be important aspects of firearm handling, they do not directly address the immediate safety concern relevant to cleaning. Being aware of the proximity of ammunition is also important for overall safety but does not specifically pertain to the action of cleaning itself. Thus, verifying that the firearm is empty and unloaded takes precedence to safeguard against any potential accidents during the cleaning process.