When is the rifle considered cleared?

The rifle is considered cleared when the bolt carrier is locked to the rear and no round is in the chamber. This condition indicates that the weapon is safe to handle, as there is no ammunition present in the firing chamber. When the bolt carrier is locked to the rear, it is visibly apparent that there is no round chambered, thus reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

Understanding this condition is critical for maintaining firearm safety and following the proper procedures during weapon handling. While other conditions such as having a full magazine or the selector lever being on semi-auto might seem relevant, they do not indicate that the rifle is devoid of ammunition in the chamber. The focus here is solely on ensuring that the weapon is completely safe before handling or moving to maintenance.