What must you do to the hammer before ensuring a muzzleloader isn't primed?

Ensuring that the hammer of a muzzleloader is not in the full-cock position is crucial for safety when checking if the firearm is primed. When the hammer is in the full-cock position, it is ready to strike the firing mechanism, which increases the risk of an accidental discharge if the firearm were to inadvertently be primed or if a live primer or powder were present. By lowering the hammer (not in full-cock position), you're putting the firearm into a safer state, allowing for a clear assessment of whether it contains any live components. This method prioritizes safety, protecting both the operator and those nearby during the inspection process.

This understanding of the hammer position helps identify why other options do not contribute to safely determining the state of the muzzleloader. Checking the lock can provide some information about the mechanism's condition, but it does not directly ensure that the firearm is safe to inspect. Keeping the hammer in full-cock or removing it entirely may not be practical or safe actions while attempting to ascertain the priming status. Therefore, ensuring the hammer is not in full-cock position is the appropriate and safest procedure.