NRA NRA Firearm Inspection & Testing Procedures

Question 1

What is the first step a gunsmith should take when receiving any firearm for service?

Accepted Answer

Verify that the firearm is unloaded and safe to handle before any inspection or work begins

Answer

Disassemble it completely

Answer

Test-fire it to document the problem

Answer

Check the serial number against the owner's paperwork

Question 2

What does a 'function check' (or function test) verify after a gunsmith completes work on a firearm?

Accepted Answer

That all mechanical functions — safety, trigger, feeding, ejection — operate correctly before returning the firearm to the customer

Answer

That the finish is evenly applied

Answer

That the sight picture is correct

Answer

That all screws are tightened to maximum torque

Question 3

What is a 'proof test' and who typically performs it?

Accepted Answer

A test in which a firearm is fired with a specially loaded overpressure round to verify structural integrity — typically performed by proof houses or manufacturers

Answer

A gunsmith's standard function check using live ammunition

Answer

A customer acceptance test performed at a shooting range

Answer

A visual inspection of the barrel for cracks

Question 4

What is 'drop testing' in the context of firearm safety evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Dropping a cocked firearm from a specified height to verify passive safeties prevent accidental discharge

Answer

Dropping the firearm from a height to test finish durability

Answer

A field test where snap caps are dropped into the chamber

Answer

Testing whether magazines drop free when the release is pressed

Question 5

When inspecting a used firearm for purchase or service, which area of the barrel should be examined most carefully for erosion?

Accepted Answer

The throat (leade) area just forward of the chamber, where propellant gas and bullet passage cause the most wear

Answer

The exterior of the muzzle end

Answer

The middle of the barrel where the gas port is located

Answer

The chamber neck area where the case mouth seats

Question 6

What does checking for 'cylinder lockup' in a revolver assess?

Accepted Answer

Whether the cylinder indexes correctly and locks solidly in alignment with the barrel under firing conditions

Answer

Whether the cylinder latch is properly installed

Answer

Whether the cylinder crane is bent

Answer

Whether the ejector rod is the correct length