Firearm Handling & Safety Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real RSO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Firearm Handling & Safety Procedures flashcards as text
When a shooter experiences a misfire, what is the correct immediate action?
Answer: Keep the firearm pointed downrange, wait 30 seconds, then carefully open the action
A 30-second wait is required before opening the action on a misfire to allow for a potential hangfire to discharge safely downrange.
What is a 'squib load' and why is it dangerous?
Answer: A round with insufficient powder that may lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a dangerous obstruction
A squib load has insufficient propellant, which can lodge the projectile in the barrel; firing another round into an obstructed barrel can cause catastrophic firearm failure.
An RSO observes a shooter's finger inside the trigger guard while moving between positions. What should the RSO do?
Answer: Immediately issue a cease fire and correct the shooter
Finger inside the trigger guard while moving is an immediate safety violation requiring an instant cease fire to prevent an unintentional discharge.
What is the proper procedure for unloading a semi-automatic pistol before handling it to another person?
Answer: Remove the magazine, rack the slide multiple times, lock the slide back, and visually and physically inspect the chamber
Proper unloading requires removing the magazine, cycling the action to eject any chambered round, locking the slide back, and visually and physically verifying the chamber is empty.
Which condition describes a 'hangfire'?
Answer: A delayed ignition of the propellant after the trigger is pulled
A hangfire is a delay between primer ignition and main propellant ignition, which may last several seconds; the firearm must remain pointed downrange during the wait period.
When should a shooter load their firearm at a range with a firing line?
Answer: Only after the RSO gives the command to make ready or commence firing
Firearms should only be loaded on command from the RSO to ensure all personnel are in position and the range is clear before live fire begins.
A shooter's semi-automatic firearm fails to go into battery (slide does not fully close) after chambering a round. The RSO should instruct the shooter to:
Answer: Keep the muzzle downrange, tap the magazine base, and attempt to rack the slide; if it persists, call for RSO assistance
The tap-rack malfunction clearance procedure is the correct first response while maintaining muzzle discipline; persistent issues require RSO intervention.