Which is a preventive measure regarding hang-fires during weapon handling?

A preventive measure regarding hang-fires during weapon handling is to always inspect the weapon prior to use. This practice is crucial because it ensures that any potential issues or malfunctions with the weapon are identified and addressed before it is fired. Inspections can include checking the firing mechanism, examining the ammunition, and confirming that all components of the weapon are functioning properly. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of hang-fires, which occur when a round fails to fire immediately upon pulling the trigger but later discharges unexpectedly.

Proper inspection can uncover defective ammunition, foreign debris, or mechanical failures, which can all contribute to hang-fires. In contrast, quickly loading ammunition or ignoring malfunctions increases the likelihood of dangerous situations, including hang-fires. Keeping the weapon unloaded is a safety practice, but does not directly address the risk of hang-fires during handling or operation. Thus, prioritizing thorough inspections is a key measure in ensuring safe weapon handling and operation.