CRFSC Major Parts and Actions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which component on a break-action shotgun secures the barrels to the receiver and is released to open the action?
- The top lever (or top break lever) (Correct answer)
- The fore-end iron (Anson latch)
- The hinge pin
- The extractor cam
Correct answer: The top lever (or top break lever)
The top lever operates a locking bolt that engages the barrel lumps; pressing it to the side releases the barrels so the action can pivot open.
Question 2: What is the difference between a single-stack and a double-stack (staggered) pistol magazine?
- Single-stack holds rounds in a straight column; double-stack staggers rounds in two columns for higher capacity (Correct answer)
- Single-stack magazines are for revolvers; double-stack are for semi-automatics
- Single-stack magazines use a fixed follower; double-stack use a tilting follower
- Single-stack feeds from the left; double-stack alternates left and right
Correct answer: Single-stack holds rounds in a straight column; double-stack staggers rounds in two columns for higher capacity
Single-stack magazines stack cartridges directly on top of one another in a single column; double-stack magazines stagger rounds in two offset columns, increasing capacity while only moderately widening the grip.
Question 3: On a rifle or shotgun, what is the function of the stock's pistol grip (when present)?
- It houses the recoil spring assembly
- It provides a secure hand position for trigger finger control and firearm retention (Correct answer)
- It acts as a mounting point for the front sling swivel
- It contains the tubular magazine in pump-action designs
Correct answer: It provides a secure hand position for trigger finger control and firearm retention
A pistol grip provides a near-vertical hand position that improves trigger control, reduces wrist strain, and aids in retaining the firearm during recoil.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a recoil pad on a rifle or shotgun stock?
- To prevent the stock from cracking when the firearm is dropped
- To absorb and distribute recoil energy to reduce felt recoil at the shooter's shoulder (Correct answer)
- To provide a non-slip surface when the firearm is stored vertically
- To seal the stock against moisture infiltration
Correct answer: To absorb and distribute recoil energy to reduce felt recoil at the shooter's shoulder
A recoil pad made of rubber or similar material compresses during recoil, spreading the impulse over a longer time and larger area to reduce the felt impact on the shooter's shoulder.
Question 5: In a semi-automatic firearm, what prevents the action from cycling (and the gun from firing) if the magazine is not fully seated?
- The magazine disconnect safety (Correct answer)
- The firing pin block
- The transfer bar
- The grip safety
Correct answer: The magazine disconnect safety
A magazine disconnect safety blocks the trigger or sear linkage unless a fully inserted magazine depresses the disconnect mechanism, preventing fire without a seated magazine.
Question 6: What is the headspace of a firearm?
- The distance from the muzzle to the target
- The distance from the bolt face to the datum point where the cartridge case seats in the chamber (Correct answer)
- The gap between the cylinder and the barrel in a revolver
- The clearance between the slide and frame rails
Correct answer: The distance from the bolt face to the datum point where the cartridge case seats in the chamber
Headspace is the critical measurement from the bolt face to the datum point (such as the case mouth, belt, or shoulder) where the cartridge stops in the chamber; excessive headspace can cause case rupture.
Question 7: What component on many semi-automatic pistols prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is deliberately pulled?
- Firing pin block (or striker block) (Correct answer)
- Disconnector
- Drop safety cam
- Manual safety lever
Correct answer: Firing pin block (or striker block)
A firing pin block (also called a striker block or safety plunger) physically obstructs the firing pin channel until the trigger lifts it out of the way, preventing discharge from dropping or impact.
CRFSC Major Parts and Actions 4
Which component on a break-action shotgun secures the barrels to the receiver and is released to open the action?