What is 'dry firing'?

Dry firing refers to the practice of exercising trigger control and honing shooting skills using an unloaded firearm. This involves simulating the act of firing without any live ammunition present in the firearm. The primary benefit of dry firing is that it allows shooters to focus on their technique, including grip, stance, and trigger pull, without the distractions or safety risks associated with live rounds.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of firearm handling and maintenance. Firing a gun without shooting could imply using a blank or dummy round, which does not qualify as dry firing since it involves using something other than an unloaded state. Cleaning a firearm without removing parts typically pertains to maintenance practices rather than shooting practices. Checking the firearm for defects is a crucial safety measure but does not relate to the concept of dry firing, which focuses explicitly on the act of practicing shooting mechanics.