How should a firearm always be treated?

The correct approach to handling firearms is to treat them as loaded until you determine otherwise. This principle emphasizes the importance of safety and caution when dealing with firearms. By assuming that a firearm is loaded, individuals are less likely to engage in careless handling, which can lead to accidental discharges and potentially catastrophic consequences.

This practice also reinforces the need for meticulous checking and verification before handling a firearm, whether it involves inspecting the chamber, magazine, and any associated parts to ensure it is entirely safe to handle. The mindset of treating a firearm as loaded helps build responsible behavior and fosters a culture of safety among gun owners and handlers.

In contrast, considering firearms as unloaded until proven otherwise does not impose the same level of caution. Treating firearms as toys undermines their potential danger and can lead to negligence. Viewing them as unsafe regardless of status can generate unnecessary alarm but does not directly instill safe handling practices. Therefore, the most responsible and safe approach is to treat all firearms as loaded until a thorough check confirms otherwise.