CRFSC Knowledge 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'hangfire' refer to in firearms safety?
- A delayed ignition after the trigger is pulled (Correct answer)
- A firearm that fails to eject a spent case
- A round stuck partway into the chamber
- A magazine that fails to feed the next cartridge
Correct answer: A delayed ignition after the trigger is pulled
A hangfire is a delayed discharge where the propellant ignites after an unexpected pause following the trigger pull.
Question 2: Under Canadian law, for what purpose may a restricted firearm be lawfully transported WITHOUT an Authorization to Transport (ATT)?
- Travelling directly to and from an approved shooting club or range (Correct answer)
- Carrying the firearm for personal protection in a high-risk area
- Moving it between provinces during a licensed hunting trip
- Bringing it to a gunsmith for repairs at any time
Correct answer: Travelling directly to and from an approved shooting club or range
In many provinces, ATTs are built into the PAL conditions for direct transport between the owner's home and an approved range.
Question 3: Which of the following is a prohibited device under the Criminal Code of Canada?
- A device that converts a semi-automatic firearm to fire automatically (Correct answer)
- A detachable box magazine for a bolt-action rifle
- A suppressor approved by the RCMP
- A laser sight mounted on a non-restricted rifle
Correct answer: A device that converts a semi-automatic firearm to fire automatically
Any device that enables a semi-automatic firearm to fire more than one round per trigger pull is classified as a prohibited device.
Question 4: If you discover ammunition at a garage sale that is not in its original packaging, what should you do?
- Decline to purchase it, as its condition and type cannot be verified (Correct answer)
- Purchase it and have it tested at a range
- Accept it only if the calibre stamp is visible on the base
- Ask the seller to certify its age in writing before buying
Correct answer: Decline to purchase it, as its condition and type cannot be verified
Ammunition of unknown origin, condition, and type poses significant safety risks and should not be acquired.
Question 5: What is the role of the Registrar of Firearms in Canada?
- Maintaining the Canadian Firearms Registry and administering the licensing system (Correct answer)
- Approving each individual firearm purchase before it takes place
- Setting the classification of new firearm models entering the market
- Prosecuting individuals who violate the Firearms Act
Correct answer: Maintaining the Canadian Firearms Registry and administering the licensing system
The Registrar of Firearms, a senior RCMP officer, oversees the Canadian Firearms Program including licences and the registration system.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'squib load' and the appropriate response?
- An underpowered round that leaves a bullet in the barrel; stop firing immediately and clear the obstruction (Correct answer)
- A round with too much powder that damages the action; eject it quickly
- A rimfire cartridge fired in a centrefire chamber; remove the magazine
- A round that fires out of battery; cycle the action and continue
Correct answer: An underpowered round that leaves a bullet in the barrel; stop firing immediately and clear the obstruction
A squib load fires with reduced power, often lodging the projectile in the barrel, and firing again would cause a dangerous obstruction explosion.
Question 7: Under the Canadian Firearms Act, which of the following is a valid reason for the Chief Firearms Officer to revoke a PAL?
- The licence holder is deemed to pose a risk to public safety (Correct answer)
- The licence holder moves to a different province
- The licence holder acquires more than ten firearms
- The licence holder fails to renew within 90 days of expiry
Correct answer: The licence holder is deemed to pose a risk to public safety
A CFO may revoke a PAL whenever they have reasonable grounds to believe the holder poses a public safety risk.
CRFSC Knowledge 5
What does the term 'hangfire' refer to in firearms safety?