NRA NRA Firearm Inspection & Testing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step a gunsmith should perform when receiving a firearm for service?
- Test-fire it immediately
- Visually and physically inspect it to confirm it is unloaded and safe before handling (Correct answer)
- Disassemble it completely
- Record the serial number and check against stolen firearms records
Correct answer: Visually and physically inspect it to confirm it is unloaded and safe before handling
Before any work is done, the gunsmith must verify the firearm is completely unloaded and safe to handle, preventing accidental discharge during inspection.
Question 2: What is a function check and when should it be performed?
- A check of the serial number; performed when the firearm is acquired
- A systematic test of the firearm's mechanical functions after service to verify proper operation before return to the customer (Correct answer)
- A test of the ammunition compatibility; performed at the range
- A visual inspection of the bore; performed before cleaning
Correct answer: A systematic test of the firearm's mechanical functions after service to verify proper operation before return to the customer
A function check is a series of hands-on tests verifying that the safety, trigger, feeding, and other mechanical functions operate correctly after repairs or maintenance.
Question 3: What does inspecting a firearm for 'timing' mean, particularly in a revolver?
- Checking how long it takes the action to cycle
- Verifying that the cylinder indexes and locks in alignment with the bore as the hammer is cocked (Correct answer)
- Measuring the lock time of the firing pin
- Checking the delay between trigger pull and firing
Correct answer: Verifying that the cylinder indexes and locks in alignment with the bore as the hammer is cocked
Revolver timing inspection verifies that the cylinder indexes fully into alignment with the barrel bore as the hammer reaches full cock, ensuring safe and accurate firing.
Question 4: What does a 'go gauge' verify during a headspace check?
- That the headspace is at maximum allowed dimension
- That the bolt will close fully on the minimum acceptable headspace dimension (Correct answer)
- That the headspace exceeds safe limits
- That the barrel is properly torqued
Correct answer: That the bolt will close fully on the minimum acceptable headspace dimension
A GO gauge represents the minimum acceptable headspace; if the bolt closes fully on the GO gauge, the headspace is not too tight for safe functioning.
Question 5: What condition is indicated when a firearm fails to close on the NO-GO headspace gauge?
- The headspace is dangerously excessive
- The headspace is within safe specifications (Correct answer)
- The barrel needs to be replaced immediately
- The firing pin is too short
Correct answer: The headspace is within safe specifications
If the bolt does not close on the NO-GO gauge, the headspace is within the safe range between minimum and maximum, indicating an acceptable chamber.
Question 6: What action should a gunsmith take if a firearm closes on the FIELD headspace gauge?
- The firearm is safe to return to the customer
- The firearm should not be returned to service; it requires barrel or action work to correct excessive headspace (Correct answer)
- Polish the chamber and recheck
- Replace the firing pin spring
Correct answer: The firearm should not be returned to service; it requires barrel or action work to correct excessive headspace
A FIELD gauge represents the maximum safe headspace limit; a firearm that closes on it has dangerously excessive headspace and must not be fired until corrected.
NRA NRA Firearm Inspection & Testing 1
What is the first step a gunsmith should perform when receiving a firearm for service?