CFSC Firearm Malfunctions & Corrective Actions

Question 1

What is a misfire in the context of firearm safety?

Accepted Answer

A failure of a cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

At least 60 seconds or as directed by the manufacturer

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A delayed ignition where there is a brief pause between primer strike and propellant igniting

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A cartridge that fires with significantly reduced or absent propellant charge

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A bullet lodged in the barrel can cause catastrophic barrel failure when the next round is fired

Answer

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.

(CFSC) Canadian Firearms Safety Course Practice Test

(CFSC) Canadian Firearms Safety Course Practice Test

CFSC Firearm Malfunctions & Corrective Actions