CRFSC Firearm Malfunctions and Stoppages 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a misfire in firearm safety terminology?
- A cartridge that fires with excessive pressure
- A cartridge that fails to fire after the primer has been struck (Correct answer)
- A cartridge that fires with a noticeable delay
- A cartridge where the bullet lodges in the barrel
Correct answer: A cartridge that fails to fire after the primer has been struck
A misfire occurs when the firing pin strikes the primer but the cartridge fails to ignite and discharge.
Question 2: Immediately after experiencing a misfire, what should you do?
- Open the action immediately and remove the cartridge
- Pull the trigger again to attempt ignition
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds (Correct answer)
- Hand the firearm to a range officer immediately
Correct answer: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds
You must keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction for at least 30 seconds in case the misfire is actually a hangfire with delayed ignition.
Question 3: How long should you wait before opening the action after a suspected misfire?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds
- 30 seconds (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 30 seconds
Canadian firearm safety standards require waiting at least 30 seconds to allow any potential hangfire to discharge safely before opening the action.
Question 4: What is a hangfire?
- A complete failure of the cartridge to fire
- A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after a noticeable delay (Correct answer)
- A cartridge that fires twice in rapid succession
- A spent case that fails to eject after firing
Correct answer: A delayed ignition where the cartridge fires after a noticeable delay
A hangfire involves a delay between the primer strike and the actual discharge, meaning the cartridge does eventually fire.
Question 5: What is a squib load?
- A cartridge loaded with double the normal powder charge
- A cartridge that produces excessive recoil and muzzle flash
- A cartridge that fires with insufficient power, potentially leaving the bullet lodged in the barrel (Correct answer)
- A cartridge that fails to feed into the chamber from the magazine
Correct answer: A cartridge that fires with insufficient power, potentially leaving the bullet lodged in the barrel
A squib load produces low pressure from insufficient propellant, which may leave a bullet lodged in the barrel and create a dangerous obstruction.
Question 6: What is the most dangerous mistake a shooter can make after a squib load?
- Waiting too long before attempting to clear the firearm
- Firing another round without first checking the barrel for obstruction (Correct answer)
- Removing the magazine before opening the action
- Pointing the muzzle downward while clearing
Correct answer: Firing another round without first checking the barrel for obstruction
Firing another round when a bullet is lodged in the barrel can cause catastrophic barrel rupture, potentially causing severe injury to the shooter and bystanders.
Question 7: What is a failure to feed?
- A malfunction where a spent cartridge case does not eject properly
- A malfunction where the primer fails to ignite the powder charge
- A malfunction where the next cartridge fails to enter the chamber correctly (Correct answer)
- A malfunction where the trigger mechanism does not reset after firing
Correct answer: A malfunction where the next cartridge fails to enter the chamber correctly
A failure to feed occurs when the next cartridge from the magazine does not properly enter and seat in the chamber.
CRFSC Firearm Malfunctions and Stoppages 1
What is a misfire in firearm safety terminology?