To transfer a revolver safely, what must be done first?

Transferring a revolver safely begins with the crucial step of ensuring that the firearm is completely unloaded and secure before passing it to another person. Opening and unloading the cylinder is essential as it directly removes any live ammunition from the weapon, thus preventing an accidental discharge. Presenting the revolver grip first with the muzzle pointing downwards is a standard safety practice, effectively directing the muzzle away from anyone and minimizing the risk of injury during the transfer.

This method allows the receiving individual to clearly see that the revolver is unloaded and ensures that the firearm is handled in a manner that emphasizes safety. The focus on pointing the muzzle downward is critical in maintaining control of the weapon and ensuring that no unintentional harm occurs.

The other choices, while related to firearm safety, do not address the immediate steps required for a safe transfer of a revolver. Checking for ammunition in the chamber is an important aspect of firearm safety, but it is implicitly integrated into the process of unloading the cylinder as part of the transfer. Unloading the magazine and locking the slide open applies to semi-automatic handguns and would not be relevant for a revolver. Ensuring the firearm is registered is an important legal aspect but does not directly relate to the immediate task of safely transferring