Action Type & Caliber Classification Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Action Type & Caliber Classification flashcards as text
A CFA appraises a rifle with a 'falling block' action. This action type is characterized by:
Answer: A vertically dropping breech block that opens the chamber when lowered
Falling block actions use a breech block that drops vertically when the lever is operated, opening the chamber for loading—a design associated with the Sharps and Ruger No. 1 rifles.
The belted magnum case design found on cartridges like the .375 H&H Magnum features a belt primarily to:
Answer: Provide a headspace reference point for the chamber
The belt on magnum cases originally served as the headspace reference datum in the chamber, though modern belted magnums often headspace on the shoulder as well.
An appraiser encounters a pistol described as having a 'striker-fired' action. This means:
Answer: A spring-loaded striker directly impacts the primer without a separate hammer
Striker-fired pistols use a spring-loaded striker that is cocked and released by the trigger mechanism without a traditional external or internal hammer.
In cartridge nomenclature, what does the 'x' represent in a metric designation such as '9x19mm'?
Answer: A separator between bullet diameter and case length
In metric cartridge designations, the 'x' separates bullet diameter (in mm) from case length (in mm), so 9x19mm means a 9mm bullet in a 19mm-long case.
A shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells but marked '2¾ inch chamber' would be:
Answer: Unsafe for 3-inch shells as the longer shell prevents proper closure
A 2¾-inch chamber cannot safely accept 3-inch shells because the longer unfired shell prevents the action from fully closing, creating a dangerous condition.
The term 'straight-pull bolt action' differs from a conventional bolt action in that:
Answer: The bolt handle is pulled straight back without rotating to unlock
Straight-pull bolt actions allow the shooter to cycle the bolt with a single linear rearward pull without the rotational unlocking step required in conventional bolt actions.
A firearm appraiser must distinguish between .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers. Which statement is accurate?
Answer: .38 Special can be safely fired in a .357 Magnum revolver, but not vice versa
.38 Special can be safely fired in a .357 Magnum revolver because both share the same bullet diameter and the shorter .38 Special fits in the longer .357 chamber; however, the higher-pressure .357 Magnum cannot be fired in .38 Special-only firearms.