To ensure a bolt-action firearm is unloaded, what must be checked?

To ensure that a bolt-action firearm is unloaded, it is essential to check both the action and the magazine. Opening the action allows you to visually inspect the chamber to confirm that there are no cartridges present. This step is crucial because even if the magazine appears empty, a round may still be chambered and ready to fire.

Checking the magazine serves to verify that no additional ammunition is loaded and can help prevent any potential misfire or accident. Therefore, opening the action and examining the magazine are critical steps in the safety protocol when handling a bolt-action firearm.

The focus on the chamber and magazine in this answer highlights the importance of thoroughly ensuring the firearm is completely unloaded before handling or performing any maintenance, thereby promoting safety during firearm usage.