A clearing barrel provides a safe direction to point a weapon during all of the following operations except?

A clearing barrel is a designated safety feature used to ensure that a firearm is pointed in a safe direction during specific procedures involving the weapon. Its primary purpose is to safeguard personnel and bystanders from accidental discharges.

During operations like loading, unloading, and the unload show clear procedure, pointing the weapon into a clearing barrel allows for safe management of any potential negligent discharges. These operations often involve handling the firearm where there is a risk of the weapon being loaded or having a round in the chamber.

"Make ready," on the other hand, typically signifies a preparatory step where the firearm is brought into a state of readiness for use. This process often involves ensuring that the weapon is on the correct setting or stance but does not necessarily involve loading or unloading the firearm, like the other operations mentioned. As such, during the make ready operation, the emphasis is on preparing the weapon for engagement rather than managing its potential risk of discharge, which is why a clearing barrel may not be applicable in this context.