What is the correct action to take when a firearm is not in use?

When a firearm is not in use, unloading it is a critical safety measure. This action ensures that the firearm is in a safe state, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharges. By removing all ammunition from the gun, the chance of an unintended firing event is greatly minimized, allowing for safer handling and storage.

While it’s also important to store firearms securely in a locked safe and keep them cleaned to maintain proper function, unloading before storage is the fundamental step in firearm safety. Keeping a firearm within arm's reach when it is not being used goes against safety protocols, as it increases the likelihood of unsafe handling. Unloading the firearm must be a priority before any other considerations regarding its care or storage.