FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Firearm Handling and Operation Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

A revolver uses a rotating cylinder to hold cartridges; a semi-automatic uses a removable magazine and auto-chambers rounds from the magazine after each shot

Answer

A revolver stores cartridges in a rotating cylinder with each chamber aligned with the barrel when fired. After each shot, the cylinder rotates to the next chamber. A semi-automatic stores rounds in a detachable magazine; after each shot, the slide cycles back, ejects the spent casing, and chambers a new round from the magazine automatically.

Question 2

What is the function of the extractor on a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

It grips the base of the fired casing and pulls it out of the chamber during the slide's rearward travel

Answer

The extractor is a small hook-shaped part that grips the rim or extractor groove of a cartridge or spent casing. As the slide moves rearward after firing, the extractor pulls the spent casing from the chamber. The ejector then strikes the casing and sends it out of the ejection port.

Question 3

What is the function of the ejector on a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

It is a fixed (or spring-loaded) component inside the slide/frame that strikes the base of the extracted case, directing it out of the ejection port

Answer

After the extractor pulls the spent case from the chamber, the ejector — typically a fixed post in the frame or slide — strikes the case rim or base as the slide moves back. This impact deflects the case out of the ejection port (the opening in the slide). Together, extractor and ejector complete the ejection cycle.

Question 4

What does it mean when a semi-automatic pistol "goes to slide lock" after the last round is fired?

Accepted Answer

The slide remains locked in the open (rearward) position because the magazine's follower pushes up the slide stop after the last round is chambered and fired

Answer

Most semi-automatic pistols have a slide stop (slide lock) device. When the last round from the magazine is fired, the magazine's follower — the spring-loaded platform that pushes rounds upward — rises and activates the slide stop, holding the slide open. This signals the shooter that the magazine is empty and allows for quick visual/tactile confirmation of the empty chamber.

Question 5

What is the correct way to perform a press check on a semi-automatic pistol?

Accepted Answer

Slightly retract the slide to visually and tactilely confirm whether a round is chambered, without fully cycling the action

Answer

A press check (chamber check) involves slightly retracting the slide — just enough to see or feel whether a round is in the chamber — without fully cycling the action (which would eject a chambered round). It confirms the firearm's loaded status. This should be done while pointing in a safe direction with the finger off the trigger.

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Firearm Handling and Operation Questions and Answers 2