Which step is NOT part of the process of clearing a firearm?

Disassembling a firearm is not a necessary step in the basic process of clearing it. When clearing a firearm, the primary goal is to ensure that it is unloaded and safe to handle. The process primarily involves removing ammunition, locking the slide back, and visually inspecting the chamber to confirm that no rounds are present.

Removing ammunition ensures that no live rounds are left in the chamber or magazine. Locking the slide back provides a clear view of the chamber and prevents the firearm from being accidentally fired. Visually inspecting the chamber further confirms that there is no ammunition in the firearm.

While disassembling the firearm might be part of a comprehensive maintenance routine, it is not essential for the immediate task of clearing it, which focuses solely on safety and readiness for handling.