Emergency Procedures Practice Test
Knowing how to respond to a firearm malfunction could save your life or the life of someone else. These 15 questions cover hangfires, misfires, squib loads, bore obstructions, stovepipes, and double-feed clearance.
You pull the trigger and hear a "click" with no discharge. What could this be?
About the Emergency Procedures Topic
Firearm malfunctions are rare but potentially deadly. This topic covers how to safely handle hangfires (delayed discharge), misfires (failure to fire), squib loads (incomplete discharge), and other emergency situations involving firearms. Knowing the correct emergency procedure can prevent serious injury or death. The CFSC and CRFSC exams test your ability to distinguish between these malfunctions, follow the correct response protocol, and make safe decisions under pressure. This topic also covers what to do if a firearm is accidentally discharged, how to handle a dropped firearm, and basic first-aid considerations in firearms-related emergencies.
This topic test contains 15 carefully written questions covering every aspect of emergency procedures as tested on the CFSC + CRFSC exams. Each question includes a detailed explanation that references the official curriculum. The passing score is 80% — aim for 90% or higher to build a comfortable margin for the real exam.
Emergency Procedures — Key Facts
The following reference table summarises the most important facts about emergency procedures that appear on both the CFSC and CRFSC exams. Memorise these before your test date.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hangfire | Noticeable delay between trigger pull and firing — WAIT 60 SECONDS |
| Misfire | Complete failure to fire — wait 60 seconds, then PROVE safe |
| Squib load | Abnormally weak discharge — projectile may be stuck in bore. DO NOT fire again. |
| Hangfire response | Keep pointed in safe direction → wait 60 seconds → PROVE safe → inspect |
| Squib detection | Unusually soft recoil, weak report, or no exit hole in target |
| Dropped firearm | Do NOT try to catch it. Let it fall. Pick up carefully using ACTS. |
| Accidental discharge | Stop. Make safe. Render first aid. Report incident. |
| Bore obstruction | If suspected, do NOT fire. Examine bore from breech end. |
What to Expect on the Real Exam
On the actual CFSC + CRFSC written test, you will encounter multiple-choice questions about emergency procedures. Here is what past exam-takers report about questions on this topic:
- Questions are presented in random order — they do not follow the textbook chapter sequence.
- Each question has four answer options (A, B, C, D). Only one is correct.
- There is no negative marking, so you should always select an answer rather than leaving it blank.
- Some questions use scenario-based formats ("You are at a range and X happens — what should you do?") rather than direct recall.
- Trick questions often use words like "always," "never," or "only" — read these carefully.
Study Tips for Emergency Procedures
This topic carries significant weight on both the CFSC and CRFSC exams. Here are strategies to master it:
- The 60-SECOND rule is the most tested fact in this topic. After a hangfire or misfire, you must wait 60 seconds with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction before opening the action.
- Know the difference between hangfire and misfire: a hangfire means the primer ignited but combustion is delayed. A misfire means the cartridge failed to fire at all.
- A squib load is extremely dangerous because the projectile may be lodged in the barrel. If you fire another round, the barrel can explode. Always stop and inspect after any abnormal discharge.
- If you drop a firearm, DO NOT try to catch it. Modern firearms are designed to not discharge when dropped. Let it fall, then pick it up using ACTS procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent errors students make on emergency procedures questions. Avoiding them can mean the difference between passing and failing:
Opening the action immediately after a click (potential hangfire). You MUST wait 60 seconds. The cartridge may still discharge.
Firing again after a squib load. If a projectile is stuck in the bore, firing another round will cause a catastrophic barrel failure.
Trying to catch a falling firearm. Grabbing at a falling gun may cause your finger to contact the trigger. Let it fall.
Not recognizing the signs of a squib load: unusually soft recoil, weak or unusual sound, and no apparent hit on target. If anything seems "off," stop and inspect.
Related Topic Tests
After mastering emergency procedures, strengthen your overall exam readiness by practising these related topics. We recommend completing all topic tests before attempting a full mock exam.
Ready for a Full Exam?
Once you are scoring 90%+ on topic tests, challenge yourself with a full-length timed mock exam.