CFSC Firearm Malfunctions & Corrective Actions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a misfire in the context of firearm safety?
- A round that fires with a reduced powder charge
- A failure of a cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck (Correct answer)
- A round that fires after a significant delay
- A cartridge that becomes lodged in the barrel
Correct answer: A failure of a cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck
A misfire is when a cartridge completely fails to fire after the firing pin has struck the primer, with no ignition occurring at all.
Question 2: How long should you wait before opening the action after a suspected hangfire?
- 5 seconds
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
- At least 60 seconds or as directed by the manufacturer (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least 60 seconds or as directed by the manufacturer
You should wait at least 60 seconds (or per manufacturer guidelines) before opening the action, as the delayed ignition could still occur during this period.
Question 3: What is a hangfire?
- A complete failure to fire after the primer is struck
- A delayed ignition where there is a brief pause between primer strike and propellant igniting (Correct answer)
- A round that detonates prematurely before the action closes
- A malfunction where the bolt carrier fails to cycle
Correct answer: A delayed ignition where there is a brief pause between primer strike and propellant igniting
A hangfire is a delayed ignition — the primer is struck and there is a perceptible pause before the propellant charge ignites and the round fires.
Question 4: What is a squib load?
- A cartridge with a missing primer
- A cartridge that fires with significantly reduced or absent propellant charge (Correct answer)
- A round that fires backwards due to a seating defect
- An overcharged round that produces excessive recoil and pressure
Correct answer: A cartridge that fires with significantly reduced or absent propellant charge
A squib load fires with insufficient propellant, potentially leaving a bullet lodged in the barrel and producing a noticeably different report or recoil.
Question 5: What is the most serious danger of firing a second round immediately after a squib load?
- The firearm may overheat and warp the barrel
- The magazine spring may be damaged by the reduced pressure
- A bullet lodged in the barrel can cause catastrophic barrel failure when the next round is fired (Correct answer)
- The firing pin may snap from the impact
Correct answer: A bullet lodged in the barrel can cause catastrophic barrel failure when the next round is fired
If a bullet is left lodged in the barrel from a squib load, firing another round creates an extreme pressure spike behind the obstruction that can destroy the barrel and injure the shooter.
Question 6: What is the correct immediate action after experiencing a suspected misfire?
- Immediately open the action and remove the cartridge
- Re-cock the firearm and attempt to fire again right away
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, wait 30–60 seconds, then safely remove the cartridge (Correct answer)
- Strike the back of the bolt to force ignition of the primer
Correct answer: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, wait 30–60 seconds, then safely remove the cartridge
The firearm must remain pointed in a safe direction for 30–60 seconds in case the round is actually a hangfire, then the cartridge can be safely removed.
Question 7: How should a misfired cartridge be disposed of safely?
- Place it directly in regular household garbage
- Attempt to re-prime and reload the case for future use
- Immerse it in water for at least one hour, then dispose of it according to local regulations (Correct answer)
- Incinerate it in a controlled outdoor fire
Correct answer: Immerse it in water for at least one hour, then dispose of it according to local regulations
Soaking a misfired cartridge in water for at least one hour neutralizes the primer, making it safe to handle and dispose of per local hazardous waste guidelines.
CFSC Firearm Malfunctions & Corrective Actions 1
What is a misfire in the context of firearm safety?