CRFSC Firearm Safety Rules 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should you clean the barrel of a firearm for obstructions?
- Only after the firearm has been used for at least 50 rounds
- Before each use and whenever a blockage is suspected, such as after a misfeed (Correct answer)
- Only after the hunting or shooting season ends
- Whenever the firearm has been stored for more than six months
Correct answer: Before each use and whenever a blockage is suspected, such as after a misfeed
A barrel should be checked for obstructions before each use and anytime an unusual event occurs, such as a misfire or fall, to prevent a dangerous bulge or burst.
Question 2: What action should you take if your firearm falls into water or mud?
- Dry the exterior and continue using it
- Unload it immediately and thoroughly inspect and clean the barrel before use (Correct answer)
- Fire a round to clear any obstruction
- Engage the safety and continue using it cautiously
Correct answer: Unload it immediately and thoroughly inspect and clean the barrel before use
After a firearm contacts water or mud, unload it and inspect the barrel for obstructions before firing again to prevent a dangerous barrel obstruction.
Question 3: In the context of Canadian firearm safety, what is a 'squib load'?
- A cartridge loaded with too much powder causing excessive pressure
- A cartridge with insufficient powder that may lodge a bullet in the barrel (Correct answer)
- A cartridge designed for reduced-recoil training
- An improperly seated primer that delays ignition
Correct answer: A cartridge with insufficient powder that may lodge a bullet in the barrel
A squib load has insufficient powder charge, and the bullet may not exit the barrel, creating a dangerous obstruction if another round is fired behind it.
Question 4: Who is legally responsible for a firearm's safe handling at all times?
- The registered owner of the firearm
- The person who has physical possession and control of the firearm (Correct answer)
- The range officer or hunt guide supervising the activity
- The person who last fired the firearm
Correct answer: The person who has physical possession and control of the firearm
The person who has physical possession and control of a firearm at any given moment bears legal and moral responsibility for its safe handling.
Question 5: What is the primary risk of 'horseplay' or pointing a firearm at someone as a joke?
- It can cause legal issues if witnessed by a range officer
- An accidental discharge could cause serious injury or death since the firearm may be loaded (Correct answer)
- It may damage the firearm's sights
- It is only dangerous with restricted firearms, not non-restricted ones
Correct answer: An accidental discharge could cause serious injury or death since the firearm may be loaded
Pointing a firearm at anyone, even as a joke, violates the fundamental muzzle control rule and risks accidental discharge causing death or serious injury.
Question 6: When transporting a non-restricted firearm in a vehicle in Canada, how must it be carried?
- Loaded with the safety on, within reach of the driver
- Unloaded and rendered inoperable or secured in a locked container (Correct answer)
- Unloaded and stored in the trunk only
- Loaded in a locked case in the back seat
Correct answer: Unloaded and rendered inoperable or secured in a locked container
Canadian law requires non-restricted firearms to be unloaded and either rendered inoperable (trigger lock) or stored in a locked container during vehicle transport.
Question 7: Why is it important to use only the correct ammunition for your specific firearm?
- Incorrect ammunition may void the manufacturer's warranty
- Using incorrect ammunition can cause dangerous pressure spikes, firearm failure, and serious injury (Correct answer)
- Only certain ammunition is sold legally in Canada
- Incorrect ammunition will not cycle through the action correctly on semi-automatics only
Correct answer: Using incorrect ammunition can cause dangerous pressure spikes, firearm failure, and serious injury
Using the wrong ammunition can generate excessive pressure, causing the firearm to rupture or fail catastrophically and injure the shooter or bystanders.
CRFSC Firearm Safety Rules 4
When should you clean the barrel of a firearm for obstructions?