NRA NRA Firearm Mechanisms & Action Types 2

Question 1

What is the primary role of the recoil spring in a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

It returns the slide to battery and absorbs recoil energy

Answer

The recoil spring stores energy as the slide moves rearward and returns the slide forward to chamber the next round.

Question 2

In a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol, what happens on the first trigger pull?

Accepted Answer

The trigger both cocks and releases the hammer

Answer

On the first DA pull, the trigger performs two actions — cocking the hammer and releasing it — resulting in a longer, heavier pull.

Question 3

What is headspace in a firearm?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Headspace is the critical measurement from the bolt face to the point where the cartridge is stopped in the chamber.

Question 4

Which part of a revolver rotates to align each chamber with the barrel?

Accepted Answer

The cylinder

Answer

The cylinder rotates with each trigger pull or hammer cock to index a new chamber in line with the barrel.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a firing pin block (drop safety)?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is deliberately pulled

Answer

A firing pin block prevents accidental discharge if the firearm is dropped by blocking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed.

(NRA) National Rifle Association Certified Gunsmith Practice Test