FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Ammunition and Malfunctions Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is a "stovepipe" malfunction in a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

A spent casing that fails to fully eject and is caught vertically in the ejection port, resembling a stovepipe

Answer

A round that fails to feed from the magazine

Answer

A double-feed where two rounds try to chamber simultaneously

Answer

A firing pin that strikes but fails to ignite the primer

Question 2

What is a "double-feed" malfunction and how is it cleared?

Accepted Answer

Two rounds attempting to chamber simultaneously; cleared by locking back the slide, removing the magazine, clearing the chamber, reinserting the magazine, and chambering a round

Answer

Two bullets loaded into one casing; cleared by replacing the magazine

Answer

A magazine feeding too fast; cleared by slowing the trigger pull

Answer

A firing pin striking twice; cleared by returning to the manufacturer

Question 3

What is a "hangfire" and how should it be handled?

Accepted Answer

A delayed ignition where the round fires after a short delay following the trigger pull — keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before clearing

Answer

A round that detonates while still in the magazine; remove the magazine immediately

Answer

A round that gets stuck in the feeding ramp; clear by tapping the magazine

Answer

A misfire that will never fire; immediately eject and dispose of the cartridge

Question 4

What type of ammunition is generally prohibited from being used in most shooting ranges?

Accepted Answer

Armor-piercing or steel-core ammunition that can damage range equipment and backstops

Answer

Full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition

Answer

Hollow point ammunition

Answer

Subsonic ammunition

Question 5

How should corroded, damaged, or questionable ammunition be handled?

Accepted Answer

Dispose of it safely according to local regulations — do not attempt to fire it

Answer

Fire it at a range to test if it still works

Answer

Attempt to clean the corrosion with solvent and then fire it

Answer

Store it separately and use it only as a last resort

Question 6

What is the correct "tap-rack-assess" malfunction clearance procedure?

Accepted Answer

Tap (slap) the magazine base firmly to ensure seating, rack the slide vigorously to eject and chamber a new round, then assess whether the threat is resolved

Answer

Tap the ejection port, rack a new round, assess the situation

Answer

Tap the barrel to dislodge obstructions, rack the slide, assess for damage

Answer

Tap the safety off, rack the hammer back, assess your target