What should be done before going under or through a fence with a firearm?

Before going under or through a fence with a firearm, it is essential to open the action and check the safety. This practice is crucial for ensuring that the firearm is unloaded and that the mechanism is safe and secure, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge while maneuvering through a potentially dangerous area.

When such actions are taken, it enhances the safety of the individual and those around them. By opening the action, any chambered round is visually confirmed as being removed, while checking the safety ensures that the firearm cannot be unintentionally fired. This step is a fundamental aspect of firearm safety procedures, emphasizing caution in situations where movement might pose risks of a drop or snag on the firearm.

Prior actions, such as checking surroundings or ensuring the ground is clear of debris, while important for overall situational awareness, do not directly address the safety of handling the firearm during the specific action of going under or through a fence. Loading the firearm is never advisable when passing through barriers, as it increases the potential for accidents. Therefore, ensuring the firearm is open and the safety is engaged is the necessary action in this scenario.