To Unload a Semi Auto

1. Point the gun in a safe direction (at ones self is not a safe direction, refrain from putting finger on trigger during any of the steps)
2. Remove the magazine (that is where all but one of the cartridges should be)
3. Rack the slide 3 times (if more than one round ejects out, see step 2, it is also a good idea to keep hand clear of ejection port)
4. Visually check chamber (just make sure it is indeed empty)
5. Check it again (just to make sure it is really empty)