What should you do when you finish shooting with a firearm?

When finishing shooting with a firearm, the appropriate step is to unload and clean it. This is crucial to ensure both safety and maintenance of the firearm. Unloading the firearm removes any remaining ammunition, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge during handling. Cleaning the firearm afterward helps to remove dirt, debris, and residues that can accumulate during use, which can affect its performance and longevity. Proper cleaning also helps to prevent corrosion and malfunctions in future use, maintaining the reliability of the firearm.

While checking the ammo count is an important practice in general firearm handling, it does not prioritize safety and maintenance as effectively as unloading and cleaning. Similarly, storing it as is neglects the responsibility of proper care, and disassembling it completely may not always be necessary unless thorough cleaning or inspection is required. Therefore, the best course of action focuses on both safety and maintaining the condition of the firearm.