Rhode Island Blue Card Practice Test

What is the first step in safe handgun storage?

1. Lock it in a cabinet

2. Ensure it is unloaded

3. Store it in a safe

4. Hide it in a secret location

The correct answer is: Ensure it is unloaded

The first step in safe handgun storage is to ensure that the firearm is unloaded. This is crucial because verifying that a handgun is not loaded significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharge when handling or storing the weapon. Ensuring the firearm is unloaded adds a fundamental layer of safety, as it prevents injuries that could occur if someone unintentionally interacts with the gun in a loaded state. Following this essential step, you can then consider other storage methods. Locking the gun in a cabinet or a safe, while important for security, presumes that the weapon is first unloaded. Hiding a firearm in a secret location does not provide adequate safety measures or accountability, since it could lead to unintended access by unauthorized individuals. Overall, confirming that the handgun is unloaded is a critical aspect of responsible firearm ownership and storage practice.