Final answer:
It is true that a pistol must first be checked to make sure it is unloaded and that the action is open before starting to clean it.
Step-by-step explanation:
True
It is important to perform safety checks before cleaning a pistol. One should always assume that a firearm is loaded until proven otherwise. To ensure safety, it is necessary to check and make sure that the pistol is unloaded and that the action is open. This allows for visual confirmation that there is no ammunition in the firearm and prevents any accidental discharge.
The statement that a pistol must first be checked to make sure that it is unloaded and that the action is open before starting to clean it is true. Ensuring that a firearm is unloaded and that its action is open is a critical safety precaution that must be taken before cleaning the pistol. This safety measure prevents accidental discharge, which could lead to injury or death. Not only is it a fundamental gun safety rule, but in some places, there are also legal provisions which mandate that firearms be kept unloaded and secured with a lock unless they are in use for legal activities or are at a place of business.