What should be checked before firing any weapon, including the M14?

Before firing any weapon, including the M14, ensuring that the chamber is clear is a critical safety step. This process involves visually and physically inspecting the chamber to confirm that there is no ammunition present. This practice prevents accidental discharges caused by a round being inadvertently chambered, which could lead to injury or damage. Ensuring the chamber is clear is a fundamental weapon handling principle that underscores the importance of safety in firearm operations.

While checking the magazine, confirming the safety status, and verifying sight alignment are also important considerations for weapon operation, they do not directly address the immediate risk posed by having a round chambered. Proper training emphasizes that the first action before attempting to fire is to ensure a safe condition by verifying a clear chamber. This foundational safety check forms the basis of safe weapon handling procedures in any scenario involving firearms.