Which of the following steps should you take to ensure a muzzleloader is not primed to fire?

To ensure a muzzleloader is not primed to fire, it is essential to point the muzzle in a safe direction and check for a cap. This practice is critical because a cap can ignite the charge in the barrel if the firearm is accidentally discharged. By inspecting for a cap, you can confirm that the muzzleloader is not ready to fire, providing an essential safety measure before handling the firearm further.

When the muzzle is directed in a safe direction, it minimizes the risk of injury or damage should an unintended discharge occur during the inspection. This procedural step emphasizes the importance of safety in firearm handling, ensuring that the individual is aware of the firearm's condition before proceeding with any additional actions or maintenance.

Other options, while they may involve handling the firearm, do not sufficiently address the immediate risk of an accidental discharge due to the presence of a cap. Checking for a cap directly targets the concern of whether the firearm is primed to fire, making it the most appropriate step in this scenario.