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 stovepipe is a type of failure-to-eject malfunction where a spent casing is not fully expelled from the ejection port and stands vertically, resembling a stovepipe. It is typically cleared with the "tap-rack" malfunction clearance procedure: tap the magazine base, rack the slide, and attempt to fire.

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

A double-feed occurs when two rounds attempt to enter the chamber at the same time. Clearing it requires: locking the slide back, removing the magazine (may need to rip it out), working the slide 2-3 times to clear the chamber, inserting a fresh magazine, and racking the slide to chamber a round. This is more complex than a simple tap-rack.

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 hangfire is a delayed ignition of a cartridge — the primer ignites the powder charge after a slight delay. If you hear a click instead of a bang, keep the firearm pointed downrange (or in a safe direction) for at least 30 seconds before treating it as a misfire and clearing. A hangfire may fire at any moment during this period.

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

Most indoor and outdoor shooting ranges prohibit armor-piercing, steel-core, tracer, or incendiary ammunition because these can penetrate and damage steel range equipment, cause fires (tracers/incendiary), or compromise backstop integrity. Standard FMJ and hollow point ammunition is generally acceptable at most ranges.

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

Corroded, cracked, deformed, or otherwise damaged ammunition should never be fired. Compromised ammunition can cause dangerous malfunctions including squib loads, stuck cases, or catastrophic over-pressure. Contact your local gun shop, law enforcement, or hazardous materials disposal service for safe disposal options.

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

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