What is a "clear and check" procedure?

The "clear and check" procedure refers to the essential process of verifying that a firearm is unloaded before any maintenance, handling, or storage takes place. This is a critical safety measure in firearms handling. During this procedure, the operator first removes any ammunition from the chamber and magazine and then visually and physically inspects the chamber to ensure that it is devoid of any ammunition. This action is vital to prevent accidental discharges, ensuring that the firearm is safe for handling.

While options like inspecting for signs of wear, cleaning the firearm, and testing accuracy are important parts of firearm maintenance and ownership, they do not directly pertain to the immediate safety protocol of "clearing" a firearm prior to any further actions. The emphasis of the "clear and check" procedure is to establish a safe environment for anyone involved.