CRFSC Safe Firearm Handling 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the risk of using ammunition that is not recommended for a specific firearm?
- The firearm may cycle too slowly
- It can cause excessive pressure leading to catastrophic failure of the action (Correct answer)
- The warranty will be voided but the firearm remains safe
- The projectile will not reach the intended target accurately
Correct answer: It can cause excessive pressure leading to catastrophic failure of the action
Using incorrect ammunition can generate pressures far exceeding the firearm's design limits, potentially causing the action to fail explosively and injure the shooter.
Question 2: Why should firearms never be transported in a vehicle with a round in the chamber?
- It is only illegal in certain provinces, not federally
- A collision or sudden stop could cause the firearm to discharge (Correct answer)
- The heat from the engine bay can ignite the primer
- Transport with a loaded chamber is legal if the safety is on
Correct answer: A collision or sudden stop could cause the firearm to discharge
Canadian law requires non-restricted firearms to be unloaded during transport; a loaded chamber poses an unacceptable risk in the event of a vehicle accident.
Question 3: What should you do if you observe another person handling a firearm in an unsafe manner at a range?
- Ignore it to avoid confrontation
- Immediately call cease-fire and alert the range safety officer (Correct answer)
- Only intervene if there is an immediate risk to your own safety
- Photograph the behaviour to report later
Correct answer: Immediately call cease-fire and alert the range safety officer
Safety at a range is a collective responsibility; a cease-fire should be called immediately and the range safety officer notified whenever unsafe handling is observed.
Question 4: What does 'control the muzzle direction' require when a shooter is moving between positions?
- Keep the trigger depressed to prevent the bolt from closing
- Maintain constant awareness so the muzzle never sweeps other people regardless of movement (Correct answer)
- Point the muzzle skyward to ensure rounds go upward if discharged
- Keep the firearm shouldered to maintain the fastest response time
Correct answer: Maintain constant awareness so the muzzle never sweeps other people regardless of movement
During movement, maintaining muzzle discipline is more challenging but equally critical — the muzzle must never cover anyone regardless of terrain or activity.
Question 5: A barrel obstruction (such as mud or snow) is suspected. What is the safe action?
- Fire one round at reduced power to clear the obstruction
- Unload the firearm immediately and clear the obstruction before firing (Correct answer)
- Use a cleaning rod pushed from the muzzle while the firearm is loaded
- Shake the firearm vigorously to dislodge the debris
Correct answer: Unload the firearm immediately and clear the obstruction before firing
Firing through an obstruction can cause a bulged or burst barrel; the firearm must be unloaded and the bore cleared with proper tools before resuming use.
Question 6: Why is alcohol or drug use strictly prohibited before and during firearm handling?
- It is a social stigma rather than a safety issue
- These substances impair judgment, reaction time, and motor control, dramatically increasing accident risk (Correct answer)
- It is only prohibited during hunting, not at ranges
- Impairment reduces accuracy but does not affect safety
Correct answer: These substances impair judgment, reaction time, and motor control, dramatically increasing accident risk
Alcohol and drugs impair the cognitive and physical faculties required for safe firearm handling, and Canadian law prohibits handling a firearm while impaired.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a safe direction when dry-firing a firearm indoors?
- To aim at a target to practice sight alignment
- To ensure that if the firearm unexpectedly discharges, the projectile is contained by a suitable backstop (Correct answer)
- To point at an area with the most open space
- To orient the firearm so the ejected case lands safely
Correct answer: To ensure that if the firearm unexpectedly discharges, the projectile is contained by a suitable backstop
Even when dry-firing a confirmed-unloaded firearm, it must be pointed at a suitable backstop (e.g., a dense wall or commercial dry-fire target) in case of an inadvertent live round.
CRFSC Safe Firearm Handling 5
What is the risk of using ammunition that is not recommended for a specific firearm?