CRFSC Firing Procedures and Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What action should you take if your firearm fails to fire after pulling the trigger (misfire)?
- Immediately open the action and discard the round
- Keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before opening the action (Correct answer)
- Shake the firearm to dislodge the round
- Tap the back of the slide to seat the round further
Correct answer: Keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before opening the action
A hangfire (delayed ignition) can occur, so keeping the firearm pointed downrange for 30 seconds before opening the action prevents injury from a late-firing round.
Question 2: What is a 'squib load' and why is it dangerous?
- A round loaded with too much powder, causing excessive recoil
- A round with insufficient powder that may lodge a bullet in the barrel (Correct answer)
- A round with a defective primer that causes excessive muzzle flash
- A round that fires in double-action mode only
Correct answer: A round with insufficient powder that may lodge a bullet in the barrel
A squib load has insufficient propellant, which may push a bullet partway into the barrel; firing another round behind it causes catastrophic barrel failure.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure for clearing a 'stovepipe' malfunction in a semi-automatic pistol?
- Remove the magazine, rack the slide multiple times, reinsert magazine
- Tap the magazine, rack the slide to eject the case, and continue firing (Correct answer)
- Field strip the pistol immediately
- Press the slide release button while pulling the trigger
Correct answer: Tap the magazine, rack the slide to eject the case, and continue firing
The tap-rack-ready drill (tap the magazine, rack the slide to eject the partially ejected case) clears a stovepipe malfunction quickly.
Question 4: When using a rifle with a telescopic sight, what is 'parallax error'?
- The difference between point of aim and point of impact at long range
- The apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when the eye moves off-center (Correct answer)
- The optical distortion caused by shooting in bright sunlight
- The shift in zero caused by temperature changes
Correct answer: The apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when the eye moves off-center
Parallax error occurs when the reticle and target image are not on the same focal plane, causing the reticle to appear to shift position as the eye moves.
Question 5: What is the recommended grip pressure when holding a handgun for accurate shooting?
- Grip as tightly as possible to control recoil
- Use a firm, consistent grip — often described as squeezing an orange or crushing a soda can (Correct answer)
- Hold loosely so the gun can recoil naturally
- Grip tightly with the dominant hand, loosely with the support hand
Correct answer: Use a firm, consistent grip — often described as squeezing an orange or crushing a soda can
A consistent, firm grip (roughly 60-70% maximum pressure) controls recoil while avoiding tension that disrupts trigger control.
Question 6: What does the term 'point of aim vs. point of impact' refer to in firearm shooting?
- The difference between the front and rear sight elevation
- The difference between where the sights are aimed and where the bullet actually strikes (Correct answer)
- The windage adjustment needed for crosswind shooting
- The caliber difference between training and duty ammunition
Correct answer: The difference between where the sights are aimed and where the bullet actually strikes
Point of aim is where the sights indicate the bullet should go, while point of impact is where the bullet actually strikes, which may differ due to zero, ammunition, or technique.
Question 7: When shooting a bolt-action rifle, when should the bolt be cycled after firing?
- Before the target is confirmed as hit
- Only after the shooter has confirmed the target is safe to engage again
- Immediately after the shot, as part of the follow-through (Correct answer)
- Only when directed by a range officer
Correct answer: Immediately after the shot, as part of the follow-through
Cycling the bolt immediately after firing, as part of follow-through, prepares the rifle for a follow-up shot while maintaining the shooting position.
CRFSC Firing Procedures and Techniques 3
What action should you take if your firearm fails to fire after pulling the trigger (misfire)?