What should you do after removing the ammunition from a firearm?

After removing the ammunition from a firearm, it is essential to ensure that the gun is completely empty by checking both the chamber and the magazine. This step is crucial for safety because a firearm can be dangerous if it retains any live ammunition, which might not be immediately visible.

Checking the chamber confirms that there is no round loaded and that the firearm is safe to handle. Verifying the magazine ensures that all rounds have been removed from the firearm's feeding mechanism. This thorough examination minimizes the risk of accidental discharge due to oversight and reinforces safe handling practices.

While the other options involve elements that could be related to firearm safety, none provide the comprehensive verification needed to ensure that the firearm is entirely free from ammunition. For instance, merely checking the magazine may overlook a round in the chamber, and switching the safety off is inappropriate until you are sure the firearm is empty. Additionally, while keeping the firearm pointed at the ground is a good practice in general, it does not guarantee the firearm is safe without ensuring it is unloaded.