When should you visually check the chamber of a semi-auto pistol?

Visually checking the chamber of a semi-automatic pistol is a critical safety procedure that is performed after the magazine has been removed and before presenting the firearm. This step is essential to ensure that the firearm is completely unloaded and safe to handle, preventing any accidental discharge that could occur if a round is still in the chamber.

By checking the chamber after removing the magazine, the operator confirms that there is no round present, which is especially important when transitioning between tasks, such as when storing a weapon or when preparing to hand it off to someone else. This practice aligns with the best safety protocols in firearms handling, as it significantly reduces the risk of mishandling a loaded weapon.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of safety assurance. Checking the chamber only after firing a round might prevent a dangerous situation in the immediate sense, but it does not address safety during handling before or after usage. Checking the chamber before inserting a new magazine does not provide an overall safety check since the firearm would still need to be visually confirmed as safe prior to engagement. Lastly, checking the chamber while aiming at the target poses a significant danger, as it is unsafe to point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, adding unnecessary risk while handling