Better to know in advance than find out the hard way.

[Breq steps forward, gesturing him closer and holding the gun so he can look it over. It's not the same as an explanation, though, so she keeps talking.]

It is. There's a loud noise when it fires, but as long as you're not between me and what I'm firing at, you'll be fine. I'll warn you, but you shouldn't have to worry. I'm a good shot.