What should be done if a firearm is dropped?

If a firearm is dropped, the first priority should be to ensure safety by checking if the firearm is loaded before picking it up. This is crucial because a dropped firearm could potentially discharge if it has a round chambered, especially if it is a design that may allow for such an event.

By checking if it is loaded first, you ensure that you are handling the firearm with care and reducing the risk of accidental discharge or injury to yourself and others. This precautionary step reflects essential firearms safety principles, which emphasize the need to always assume a firearm may be loaded and act accordingly.

Other approaches, such as picking up the firearm immediately or checking the magazine without assessing whether it is loaded, may bypass this important safety check and could lead to dangerous situations. Leaving the firearm on the ground could also be risky, as it could be handled by individuals who might not be knowledgeable about firearm safety, increasing the potential for an accident. Checking for a loaded status first is the safest and most responsible step to take in this scenario.