Final answer:
When loading a firearm, the next step after ensuring safety is to open the action and make sure the barrel is unobstructed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When loading a firearm, it is important to prioritize safety measures. After pointing the muzzle in a safe direction and putting the safety on, the next step should be to open the action and make sure the barrel is unobstructed. This ensures that there are no obstructions or blockages that could cause the firearm to malfunction.
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