Firearm Malfunctions & Corrective Actions Flashcards

What is the safest way to inspect a firearm barrel for obstructions?

Answer: With the action open and the firearm confirmed unloaded, inspect through the breech end

Inspecting from the breech end with the action open and firearm fully unloaded allows safe visual confirmation of any barrel obstruction without risk.

Which of the following is a leading cause of semi-automatic firearm malfunctions?

Answer: Dirty or improperly maintained action components

Fouling, carbon buildup, and debris in the action are among the most common causes of feeding, firing, and ejection failures in semi-automatic firearms.

What does the CFSC acronym ACTS stand for?

Answer: Assume loaded, Control muzzle, Trigger finger off, See your target

ACTS stands for: Assume every firearm is loaded; Control the muzzle direction; Trigger finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; See your target and what is beyond.

What does the CFSC acronym PROVE stand for?

Answer: Point safe, Remove, Open action, View chamber, Examine barrel (bore)

PROVE: Point in a safe direction; Remove all cartridges; Open the action; View the chamber; Examine the barrel — the five-step procedure to confirm a firearm is safe.

How can proper magazine maintenance help prevent semi-automatic malfunctions?

Answer: Using quality magazines, keeping them clean, and ensuring they seat fully reduces feeding malfunctions

Dirty, damaged, or improperly seated magazines are a primary source of feeding malfunctions; using quality magazines and maintaining them prevents many common failures.

What is the correct first step when clearing a double-feed malfunction in a semi-automatic firearm?

Answer: Lock the action open and remove the magazine to stop more rounds from feeding

Locking the action open and removing the magazine stops additional cartridges from entering the action and relieves the spring pressure, which is necessary before the chamber can be cleared.

How does proper long-term storage of a firearm relate to malfunction prevention?

Answer: Proper storage prevents corrosion and damage to components, reducing the risk of malfunctions during use

Storing firearms in controlled conditions prevents moisture-related corrosion, spring fatigue, and physical damage to action components — all of which are common causes of malfunctions.