CA-FSC FSC Firearm Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'hangfire' in the context of firearm safety?
- A round that ignites immediately but burns too hot
- A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after a noticeable pause (Correct answer)
- A malfunction where the slide fails to return to battery
- A term for a firearm that overheats after rapid firing
Correct answer: A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after a noticeable pause
A hangfire is a delayed discharge that can occur seconds after the trigger is pulled, so the muzzle must remain pointed safely.
Question 2: After removing the magazine from a semi-automatic pistol, why must you still check the chamber?
- To ensure the firing pin is retracted
- Because a round may remain chambered even with the magazine removed (Correct answer)
- To verify the safety is engaged
- Because the extractor could be damaged
Correct answer: Because a round may remain chambered even with the magazine removed
A round can remain chambered after removing the magazine, making the firearm still capable of firing.
Question 3: What is a 'squib load' and why is it dangerous?
- A cartridge loaded with too much powder that can cause a barrel explosion
- An underpowered round that may lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a dangerous obstruction if another round is fired (Correct answer)
- A blank cartridge used for training purposes
- A round that fires but produces no recoil
Correct answer: An underpowered round that may lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a dangerous obstruction if another round is fired
A squib load propels a bullet only partway down the barrel; firing another round into the obstruction can burst the barrel.
Question 4: When a revolver is being unloaded for verification, what must the shooter confirm?
- That the barrel is clean and free of debris
- That every chamber of the cylinder is empty by visual and physical inspection (Correct answer)
- That the hammer is fully cocked before releasing
- That the cylinder release latch is locked
Correct answer: That every chamber of the cylinder is empty by visual and physical inspection
Swing the cylinder out and visually inspect each of the chambers to confirm all are empty.
Question 5: After a 'click' instead of a 'bang,' how long should a shooter keep the firearm pointed downrange before investigating?
- 5 seconds
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 30 seconds
The firearm should remain pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds to allow for a possible hangfire before opening the action.
Question 6: Before cleaning a firearm, what is the first and most critical step?
- Apply cleaning solvent to the barrel
- Ensure the firearm is completely unloaded and the action is open (Correct answer)
- Put on safety glasses and gloves
- Remove the grips to access internal parts
Correct answer: Ensure the firearm is completely unloaded and the action is open
Verifying the firearm is unloaded prevents an accidental discharge during the cleaning process.
Question 7: What does 'keeping the action open' on a firearm signal to others at a range?
- The firearm needs maintenance and should not be touched
- The firearm is ready to fire and the shooter is at the line
- The firearm is unloaded and safe for inspection or during a cease-fire (Correct answer)
- The firearm's safety mechanism is disengaged
Correct answer: The firearm is unloaded and safe for inspection or during a cease-fire
An open action visually demonstrates to everyone that the firearm is unloaded and safe during a cease-fire or when not in use.
CA-FSC FSC Firearm Handling 3
What is a 'hangfire' in the context of firearm safety?