What is the first step when cleaning a gun?

Pointing the gun in a safe direction is the first and most crucial step when cleaning a firearm. This ensures that even if an accident were to occur, it would not result in injury or damage. Ensuring the firearm is pointed safely eliminates one of the most significant risks associated with handling guns, which is the potential for accidental discharge.

Once the firearm is pointed in a safe direction, you may then proceed to check for obstructions, disassemble the gun, and clean it with solvent if needed. These subsequent steps are important in the cleaning process but are secondary to the fundamental safety protocol of ensuring that the firearm is handled responsibly from the very beginning.