CRFSC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRFSC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After waiting 30 seconds and removing a misfired cartridge, you should inspect it to: → Check whether the primer shows a firing pin indentation
2. Which of the following firearm actions requires the operator to slide the fore-end towards them and then away to eject a spent cartridge and chamber a new one? → Pump-action
3. Under which condition is it permissible to rest your finger on the trigger of a firearm? → Only when you have identified your target and are ready to fire
4. When transporting a non-restricted firearm in a vehicle, it must be: → Unloaded and rendered inoperable or locked in a case
5. What action should you take if your firearm fails to fire after pulling the trigger (misfire)? → Keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before opening the action
6. A barrel obstruction (such as mud or snow) is suspected. What is the safe action? → Unload the firearm immediately and clear the obstruction before firing
7. How does shooting uphill or downhill affect bullet trajectory compared to level shooting? → Both uphill and downhill shots tend to hit higher than the point of aim
8. Which of the following actions constitutes a violation of safe firearm handling at a range? → Walking behind the firing line while others are shooting without permission
9. Which of the following best describes the fundamental marksmanship principle of 'sight alignment'? → C) The proper positioning of the front sight in relation to the rear sight.
10. Under Canadian law, what is the consequence of using a firearm in a manner that is 'careless' — i.e., without reasonable precautions for safety? → A criminal offence under section 86 of the Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment
11. What is 'trigger reset' and why is it important for accurate shooting? → Releasing the trigger only far enough forward to reset the sear for the next shot
12. On a double-action revolver, what happens mechanically when you pull the trigger without pre-cocking the hammer? → The trigger pull cocks the hammer and then releases it in one motion
13. What action type uses a rotating cylinder to sequentially present cartridges to a fixed barrel? → Revolver action
14. A shotgun shell is labelled '12 gauge, 2¾ inch, #4 Buck'. What does '#4 Buck' indicate? → The shell contains large-diameter buckshot pellets designated as size 4
15. When passing a firearm to another person, what must you do first? → Point it in a safe direction and open the action to show it is unloaded
16. What is the purpose of the crimp at the mouth of a shotgun shell? → To hold the shot charge and wad in place until firing
17. Which activity is typically covered by a standing Authorization to Transport (ATT) in Canada? → Transporting a restricted firearm to and from an approved shooting range
18. When should a gun owner consider having a restricted firearm professionally inspected by a gunsmith? → When unusual wear, damage, or malfunctions are observed during maintenance
19. On a rifle or shotgun, what is the function of the stock's pistol grip (when present)? → It provides a secure hand position for trigger finger control and firearm retention
20. What is the correct procedure for clearing a 'stovepipe' malfunction in a semi-automatic pistol? → Tap the magazine, rack the slide to eject the case, and continue firing
21. When transporting a restricted handgun, the firearm must be: → Unloaded and in a locked container
22. When shooting a semi-automatic pistol, what is the correct trigger control technique to minimize muzzle movement? → Apply smooth, steady rearward pressure on the trigger
23. Why should you never rely solely on a mechanical safety device? → Mechanical safeties can malfunction or be accidentally disengaged
24. Which scenario correctly demonstrates keeping your finger off the trigger? → Keeping the index finger straight along the frame until ready to fire
25. When operating a single-action revolver, what is the critical step that must be performed by the shooter before each shot can be fired? → Manually cocking the hammer.
26. How long is a Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) valid before renewal? → 5 years
27. When unloading a pump-action shotgun, what is the safest first step? → Point in a safe direction, engage the safety, then remove rounds from the magazine
28. Why should you never look down the barrel of a firearm to check if it is loaded? → If the firearm discharges, the shooter would be directly in the path of the bullet
29. Which component holds cartridges in a revolver and rotates to align each chamber with the barrel before firing? → Cylinder
30. An owner transporting a restricted firearm to a gunsmith must ensure the ATT: → Covers both the trip to and from the gunsmith