CRFSC Safe Firearm Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When handing a firearm to another person, what is the correct procedure?
- Hand it over quickly to minimize handling time
- Ensure the action is open and the firearm is unloaded before transferring (Correct answer)
- Keep your finger on the trigger guard for control during the transfer
- Point the muzzle toward the recipient so they can inspect the barrel
Correct answer: Ensure the action is open and the firearm is unloaded before transferring
Before transferring any firearm, the action must be open and the firearm confirmed unloaded so the recipient can visually verify its condition.
Question 2: What does the term 'muzzle discipline' refer to in safe firearm handling?
- Keeping the muzzle clean and free of debris at all times
- Always controlling where the muzzle is pointed so it never covers anything you are not willing to destroy (Correct answer)
- Ensuring a muzzle device is properly installed before firing
- Pointing the muzzle downward when not in use
Correct answer: Always controlling where the muzzle is pointed so it never covers anything you are not willing to destroy
Muzzle discipline means constantly being aware of where the muzzle is directed, ensuring it only covers an intended target or a safe direction.
Question 3: You pick up an unfamiliar firearm. What is the FIRST action you should take?
- Check whether it is loaded by opening the action (Correct answer)
- Dry-fire it to assess the trigger pull
- Look down the barrel to check for obstructions
- Verify the serial number against registration documents
Correct answer: Check whether it is loaded by opening the action
The first action with any firearm is to treat it as loaded and immediately verify its status by opening the action and visually and physically checking for ammunition.
Question 4: Why should you never rely solely on a mechanical safety device?
- Mechanical safeties can malfunction or be accidentally disengaged (Correct answer)
- Safeties are only required on restricted firearms
- Using the safety voids the firearm's warranty
- A safety prevents you from firing quickly in self-defense
Correct answer: Mechanical safeties can malfunction or be accidentally disengaged
Mechanical safeties can fail, wear out, or be bumped off; they supplement but never replace the four fundamental safe-handling rules.
Question 5: What is the safe direction rule when a misfire occurs?
- Immediately open the action to remove the cartridge
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action (Correct answer)
- Point the muzzle upward so any discharge goes skyward
- Pass the firearm to a more experienced shooter immediately
Correct answer: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action
After a misfire, maintain a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds (hangfire delay) before carefully opening the action, in case of a delayed ignition.
Question 6: Which scenario correctly demonstrates keeping your finger off the trigger?
- Resting the trigger finger inside the trigger guard while walking
- Keeping the index finger straight along the frame until ready to fire (Correct answer)
- Placing the thumb over the trigger guard as a substitute
- Engaging the safety so the trigger cannot be pulled
Correct answer: Keeping the index finger straight along the frame until ready to fire
The index finger should lie straight along the frame or receiver, outside the trigger guard, until the sights are on the target and you have made a decision to fire.
Question 7: When should you load a firearm before a hunting trip?
- At home to avoid fumbling in the field
- Only when you are in position and prepared to shoot lawfully (Correct answer)
- Immediately upon arriving at the hunting location
- As soon as you leave the vehicle at the trailhead
Correct answer: Only when you are in position and prepared to shoot lawfully
A firearm should only be loaded when you are in a position to shoot and conditions are appropriate, minimizing the time the firearm is loaded and ready to fire.
CRFSC Safe Firearm Handling 2
When handing a firearm to another person, what is the correct procedure?