FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Fundamental Firearm Safety Rules Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which of the following correctly lists all four fundamental rules of firearm safety?

Accepted Answer

Treat every gun as loaded; never point at anything you don't want to shoot; keep finger off trigger until ready; know your target and what is beyond

Answer

The four universal rules of firearm safety are: (1) Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; (2) Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy; (3) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to shoot; (4) Know your target and what is beyond it. Violating even one rule can cause an accident; violating two or more simultaneously is almost always fatal.

Question 2

Why is it important to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction even when you believe it is unloaded?

Accepted Answer

If the firearm unexpectedly discharges due to mechanical failure or human error, the safe direction ensures no one is harmed

Answer

Maintaining muzzle discipline — keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times — is a critical safety habit because firearms can discharge unexpectedly. Even after verifying a firearm is unloaded, a habit of pointing in a safe direction ensures that if a discharge somehow occurs (mechanical failure, missed round), no one is injured.

Question 3

What is the "administrative handling" of a firearm?

Accepted Answer

Deliberate, careful handling performed to safely load, unload, inspect, or clear a firearm — as opposed to casual handling

Answer

Administrative handling refers to deliberate, purposeful, careful manipulation of a firearm — such as safely loading, unloading, chamber checking, or field stripping — as opposed to casual, careless, or habitual handling. All firearm handling should be treated as administrative: deliberate, with full attention to muzzle direction and trigger discipline.

Question 4

If a firearm falls to the ground, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Let it fall; modern firearms are designed with drop safeties that prevent discharge — grabbing it may cause a worse outcome

Answer

Modern firearms are designed with drop safeties that prevent accidental discharge when dropped. Attempting to grab a falling firearm is dangerous because your reflexive grab may catch the trigger. The safest response is to let it fall, then safely retrieve it while maintaining muzzle awareness. Always treat it as loaded when you pick it up.

Question 5

Why should you never lean over or look into the barrel of a firearm?

Accepted Answer

The barrel is the exit path for a potentially lethal projectile; looking down the barrel risks severe or fatal injury if the firearm discharges

Answer

Looking down the barrel places your face in the path of a potentially lethal projectile. Even if you believe the firearm is unloaded, a round in the chamber, a mechanical malfunction, or a missed inspection step could cause a discharge. Use proper methods (lock slide open, use a bore light, disassemble) to inspect the barrel safely.

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Fundamental Firearm Safety Rules Questions and Answers 2