CFSC Shooting Fundamentals & Range Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three elements of the sight picture for accurate shooting with open sights?
- Rear sight, front sight, and target all aligned so the front sight is centred in the rear sight notch and the target is on top of the front sight post (Correct answer)
- Scope crosshairs, windage turret, and target centre
- Eye, trigger, and muzzle
- Cheek weld, shoulder pocket, and grip pressure
Correct answer: Rear sight, front sight, and target all aligned so the front sight is centred in the rear sight notch and the target is on top of the front sight post
The sight picture consists of aligning the rear sight, front sight, and target: the front sight is centred in the rear sight notch with equal light on both sides, and the target appears to sit on top of the front sight.
Proper sight alignment and sight picture are the foundation of accurate shooting. For open sights, the front sight post must be centred horizontally in the rear sight notch with equal light on both sides, and the top of the front sight should be level with the top of the rear sight. Focus should be on the front sight with the target slightly blurred.
Question 2: What is proper trigger control in the context of CFSC shooting fundamentals?
- Applying smooth, steady, straight-back pressure on the trigger using the pad of the index finger without disturbing the sight picture (Correct answer)
- Pulling the trigger quickly to minimize sway time
- Using the side of the index finger for a longer lever advantage
- Squeezing all four fingers simultaneously to maintain grip stability
Correct answer: Applying smooth, steady, straight-back pressure on the trigger using the pad of the index finger without disturbing the sight picture
Proper trigger control uses the pad of the index finger to apply smooth, gradual, straight-back pressure that breaks the shot without disturbing the sight alignment.
Flinching, jerking, or slapping the trigger is the most common cause of missed shots. The index finger pad provides the most sensitive, controlled application of pressure. The pressure should be steadily increased until the trigger breaks in a way that surprises the shooter. Any lateral pressure deflects the muzzle.
Question 3: What is follow-through in shooting and why does it matter?
- Maintaining sight picture, trigger position, and body position after the shot fires until the bullet has left the barrel, which prevents flinching during firing (Correct answer)
- Checking downrange after every shot to see where the bullet landed
- Cycling the action immediately after firing to prepare the next round
- The physical movement of the recoil through the shooter's body
Correct answer: Maintaining sight picture, trigger position, and body position after the shot fires until the bullet has left the barrel, which prevents flinching during firing
Follow-through is maintaining the shooting position including sight picture, trigger press, and cheek weld through and beyond the moment of firing. It prevents flinching and letting up before the bullet exits.
A bullet takes a measurable amount of time to travel through the barrel after the firing pin strikes. Any body movement including flinching, lifting the head, or releasing trigger pressure that occurs during this period can deflect the muzzle and cause a miss.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a shooting rest or bench when zeroing a new firearm?
- To eliminate shooter-induced movement so the firearm itself can be assessed for accuracy before introducing human factors (Correct answer)
- To allow shooters with disabilities to participate in competition equally
- To hold ammunition conveniently close during extended shooting sessions
- To satisfy a Canadian range rule that prohibits unsupported shooting during zeroing
Correct answer: To eliminate shooter-induced movement so the firearm itself can be assessed for accuracy before introducing human factors
A shooting rest stabilizes the firearm completely, eliminating human movement variables and allowing the firearm and ammunition combination's inherent accuracy to be assessed during zeroing.
When zeroing a scope or iron sights, any shooter-induced movement creates inconsistent results that make it impossible to determine whether inaccuracy is from the shooter or the equipment. A bench rest eliminates this by resting the firearm on a stable surface.
Question 5: At a Canadian shooting range, what does the command cease fire require all shooters to do immediately?
- Stop firing immediately, keep fingers off triggers, and wait for further instructions from the range officer without handling firearms (Correct answer)
- Continue firing through the current magazine to avoid leaving a loaded firearm
- Unload and leave the range immediately
- Holster or sling the firearm and turn to face away from the range
Correct answer: Stop firing immediately, keep fingers off triggers, and wait for further instructions from the range officer without handling firearms
Upon hearing cease fire, all shooters must immediately stop shooting, remove fingers from triggers, and freeze in place awaiting further instructions from the range officer.
The cease fire command at a Canadian range is the highest safety directive and requires immediate compliance. Shooters must stop mid-magazine if necessary, remove fingers from triggers, not cycle actions or handle firearms, and await the range officer's next instructions.
Question 6: What is the correct position of the thumb on the shooting hand when holding a semi-automatic pistol?
- Extended forward along the frame or grip on the same side as the trigger finger, never wrapped over the back of the slide (Correct answer)
- Wrapped around the back of the slide to provide additional grip strength
- Pressed against the safety at all times during shooting
- Hooked under the trigger guard for recoil control
Correct answer: Extended forward along the frame or grip on the same side as the trigger finger, never wrapped over the back of the slide
The strong-hand thumb should be extended forward along the frame, not wrapped over the slide. A thumb over the slide will be cut or struck when the slide cycles, causing injury.
A common grip error for new pistol shooters is to wrap the strong-hand thumb over the back of the slide. When the pistol fires and the slide cycles rearward, it can strike the thumb with enough force to cause lacerations or fractures. The correct grip keeps the strong-hand thumb forward along the frame.
CFSC Shooting Fundamentals & Range Safety 2
What are the three elements of the sight picture for accurate shooting with open sights?