FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Firearm Handling and Operation Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol?
- A revolver fires automatically; a semi-auto fires one round per trigger pull
- 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 (Correct answer)
- A revolver holds more rounds than a semi-automatic
- A semi-automatic requires manual recocking between shots; a revolver does not
Correct 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
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?
- It guides rounds from the magazine into the chamber
- It grips the base of the fired casing and pulls it out of the chamber during the slide's rearward travel (Correct answer)
- It holds the slide in the rearward locked-open position
- It prevents rounds from feeding when the magazine is not fully seated
Correct answer: It grips the base of the fired casing and pulls it out of the chamber during the slide's rearward travel
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?
- It ejects the magazine when the magazine release is pressed
- 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 (Correct answer)
- It automatically opens the slide on the last round fired
- It prevents spent casings from falling back into the action
Correct 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
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?
- The magazine has jammed and requires professional service
- 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 (Correct answer)
- The firing pin has broken and must be replaced
- The pistol has engaged its manual safety automatically
Correct 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
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?
- Pull the trigger while holding the slide to check resistance
- Slightly retract the slide to visually and tactilely confirm whether a round is chambered, without fully cycling the action (Correct answer)
- Remove the magazine and look through the ejection port
- Press the barrel forward and look down the magazine well
Correct answer: Slightly retract the slide to visually and tactilely confirm whether a round is chambered, without fully cycling the action
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.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the magazine disconnect safety found on some semi-automatic pistols?
- It prevents the magazine from being inserted at an angle
- It prevents the firearm from firing when the magazine is removed from the pistol (Correct answer)
- It locks the magazine in place during firing to prevent accidental drops
- It disconnects the double-action trigger pull when the magazine is fully loaded
Correct answer: It prevents the firearm from firing when the magazine is removed from the pistol
A magazine disconnect safety is a mechanism that prevents the firearm from firing when the magazine is removed. This means even if a round is chambered, the pistol cannot fire without a magazine inserted. While it provides a safety benefit in some scenarios, it also means the firearm cannot fire a chambered round in an emergency if the magazine is dropped.
FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Firearm Handling and Operation Questions and Answers 2
What is the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol?