Firearm Types and Mechanisms Flashcards
7 cards from real CA-FSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Firearm Types and Mechanisms flashcards as text
What is a 'lever-action' rifle?
Answer: A repeating rifle that cycles the action via a lever located near the trigger guard
A lever-action rifle uses a pivoting lever integrated near the trigger guard to cycle the action, eject spent cases, and chamber new rounds.
What is meant by the term 'in battery' when describing a semi-automatic firearm?
Answer: The slide or bolt is fully forward with the chamber loaded and locked
A firearm 'in battery' means the action is fully closed, the round is seated in the chamber, and the firearm is in the proper condition for firing.
What is the purpose of the 'recoil spring' in a semi-automatic pistol?
Answer: It returns the slide to battery after firing and absorbs recoil energy
The recoil spring absorbs energy from the slide as it travels rearward during firing, then uses stored energy to push the slide back into battery.
What does 'open bolt' versus 'closed bolt' describe in automatic and semi-automatic firearms?
Answer: The position of the bolt at rest — rearward (open) versus forward on a chambered round (closed)
An open-bolt firearm rests with the bolt held rearward; firing chambers a round and fires it. A closed-bolt firearm rests with a round already chambered.
What is a 'rimless' cartridge, and why is it important?
Answer: A cartridge with no case rim, which feeds more reliably in box magazines
A rimless cartridge has a rim only slightly larger than the case body with an extractor groove, which allows smooth, reliable feeding in box magazines used in semi-automatic firearms.
Which component prevents a semi-automatic pistol's slide from traveling too far rearward and flying off the frame?
Answer: The slide stop or frame rail stops
The slide stop pin (and the frame rail geometry) physically limits rearward travel of the slide, keeping it on the frame during the firing cycle.
What is the main functional difference between a 'single-shot' and a 'repeating' firearm?
Answer: A repeating firearm holds multiple rounds and can fire successive shots without reloading the chamber each time
A repeating firearm stores multiple cartridges and cycles a new round into the chamber after each shot, while a single-shot must be manually reloaded after every firing.