Firearm Competency Handgun Knowledge — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of these is a common type of handgun action?
- A semi-automatic pistol (Correct answer)
- A bolt action
- A pump action
- A lever action
Correct answer: A semi-automatic pistol
Handguns are typically revolvers or semi-automatic pistols. Bolt, pump and lever actions are associated with rifles and shotguns.
Question 2: Where is the ammunition held in a typical semi-automatic pistol?
- In a rotating cylinder
- In a detachable magazine (Correct answer)
- In an internal tube under the barrel
- Loose in the grip
Correct answer: In a detachable magazine
A semi-automatic pistol feeds cartridges from a detachable box magazine, usually housed in the grip, into the chamber as each round is fired.
Question 3: How does a revolver store its cartridges?
- In a detachable magazine
- In the barrel
- In a rotating cylinder (Correct answer)
- In the grip frame
Correct answer: In a rotating cylinder
A revolver holds its cartridges in a rotating cylinder, which indexes a fresh round in line with the barrel each time the action is cycled.
Question 4: What does the term 'calibre' refer to on a handgun?
- The length of the barrel
- The weight of the firearm
- The colour of the grip
- The diameter of the bore and matching cartridge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The diameter of the bore and matching cartridge
Calibre describes the internal diameter of the barrel's bore and, by extension, the size of cartridge the firearm is designed to fire, such as 9mm or .38 Special.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the safety catch on a pistol?
- To help prevent the firearm from firing unintentionally (Correct answer)
- To clean the barrel
- To load the magazine faster
- To improve accuracy
Correct answer: To help prevent the firearm from firing unintentionally
A manual safety is a mechanical device intended to reduce the risk of an unintentional discharge, but it never replaces safe handling and trigger discipline.
Question 6: What should you do if a semi-automatic pistol fails to fire when you pull the trigger?
- Look down the barrel immediately
- Keep it pointed in a safe direction, wait, then clear it (Correct answer)
- Shake the firearm vigorously
- Pull the trigger repeatedly and quickly
Correct answer: Keep it pointed in a safe direction, wait, then clear it
On a misfire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, wait several seconds in case of a hang-fire, then safely clear the stoppage.
Question 7: What is 'limp wristing' and why does it matter with a semi-automatic pistol?
- A cleaning technique
- A type of holster
- A weak grip that can cause feeding malfunctions (Correct answer)
- A method of aiming
Correct answer: A weak grip that can cause feeding malfunctions
Limp wristing is a loose, unsupported grip that absorbs recoil energy needed to cycle the slide, often causing the pistol to jam or fail to eject.
Question 8: Why must you use only the ammunition calibre marked on the firearm?
- It is cheaper
- It loads faster
- The colour matches better
- Wrong ammunition can damage the firearm or injure the shooter (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wrong ammunition can damage the firearm or injure the shooter
Firing the wrong calibre or pressure of ammunition can cause dangerous malfunctions, damage the firearm, and seriously injure the shooter or bystanders.
Firearm Competency Handgun Knowledge
Which of these is a common type of handgun action?