NRA NRA Firearm Mechanics & Operation

Question 1

What is the function of the firing pin in a firearm?

Accepted Answer

To strike the primer and initiate ignition

Answer

To eject the spent case

Answer

To feed the next cartridge

Answer

To cock the hammer

Question 2

In a semi-automatic pistol, what component strips the cartridge from the magazine and chambers it?

Accepted Answer

The slide/bolt face

Answer

The ejector

Answer

The extractor

Answer

The feed ramp

Question 3

What is the purpose of the disconnector in a semi-automatic firearm?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the trigger from firing multiple rounds per trigger pull

Answer

To disconnect the magazine from the frame

Answer

To separate the slide from the frame

Answer

To block the firing pin

Question 4

What is headspace in a firearm?

Accepted Answer

The distance from the bolt face to the datum line in the chamber

Answer

The distance between the front and rear sights

Answer

The space between the hammer and firing pin

Answer

The gap between the cylinder and barrel on a revolver

Question 5

In a double-action revolver, what happens when the trigger is pulled?

Accepted Answer

The cylinder rotates, the hammer cocks, and then falls

Answer

Only the hammer drops

Answer

The hammer must be pre-cocked manually

Answer

The cylinder locks before the hammer falls

Question 6

What is the role of the extractor in a semi-automatic firearm?

Accepted Answer

To grip and pull the spent case from the chamber after firing

Answer

To feed rounds into the chamber

Answer

To prevent double-feeding

Answer

To hold the slide open after the last round