Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Ammunition and malfunctions
Questions and answers
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What are the four parts of a firearm cartridge?
Case, primer, propellant and bullet
A cartridge, also called a round, is one unit of ammunition made of these four parts.
Chapter 3 · Ammunition Components ↗ -
Is “bullet” the correct word for a whole cartridge?
No, the bullet is only the projectile at the tip of the cartridge
People often call the whole cartridge a bullet, but the bullet is just one of its parts.
Chapter 3 · Components of a Cartridge ↗ -
What is the case of a cartridge?
A metal cylinder, closed at one end, that holds the other three components
The case contains the primer, the propellant and the bullet.
Chapter 3 · Components of a Cartridge ↗ -
What happens when the hammer falls on a loaded cartridge?
The primer ignites the powder, which burns and produces gases
The expanding gases push the bullet through the barrel toward the target.
Chapter 3 · Physics of Gunfire ↗ -
What is recoil?
The push of the gases against the firearm
Firearms differ in how much recoil they produce. Shooting properly reduces its negative effects.
Chapter 3 · Physics of Gunfire ↗ -
What does firearm caliber refer to?
Barrel diameter
For a firearm, caliber is the diameter of the barrel.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
What does ammunition caliber refer to?
Bullet diameter
For ammunition, caliber is the diameter of the bullet. It is shown on the box.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
Where is the caliber information generally found on handguns?
On the barrel of a revolver and on the slide of a semiautomatic pistol
Revolvers generally carry it on the barrel and semiautomatic pistols on the slide.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
Which caliber of ammunition may you use in your firearm?
Only the caliber recommended by the firearm’s manufacturer
Use only the ammunition the manufacturer recommends for that firearm.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
A cartridge fits into your firearm. Is it safe to shoot?
Not necessarily, the firearm may not handle the pressure of wrong ammunition
Incorrect ammunition can damage the firearm and injure you or bystanders.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
Which ammunition should you never shoot?
Ammunition that is old, dirty, corroded, wet or cannot be fully identified
Such ammunition could cause a jam, a misfire or an explosion of the firearm.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
How should you get rid of ammunition you do not want?
Call the local refuse department and ask for disposal instructions
Ammunition is never thrown in the trash.
Chapter 3 · Firearm and Ammunition Calibers ↗ -
What is the “dangerous range” of ammunition?
The distance that a bullet can travel
You must consider how far a bullet can go beyond the target, because a miss or a pass-through could strike a person or object.
Chapter 3 · Dangerous Range ↗ -
How far can most ammunition travel?
At least a mile, and some more than two miles
Even when the target is a few feet away, the bullet could travel far beyond it.
Chapter 3 · Dangerous Range ↗ -
What does the guide say about ammunition and the interior walls of a house?
Most ammunition can easily go through them and keep traveling
Most ammunition penetrates interior walls. High velocity or magnum ammunition goes even farther.
Chapter 3 · Dangerous Range ↗ -
Who is responsible for damage or injury caused by a bullet once it is fired?
The person who fired it
Once you fire, you are responsible for whatever your bullet does.
Chapter 3 · Dangerous Range ↗ -
Your firearm malfunctions. How long should you wait before attempting to clear it?
30 seconds
Stop firing, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, wait 30 seconds and seek competent help.
Chapter 3 · Malfunctions ↗ -
Your firearm malfunctions at a range. What is the usual procedure?
Keep it pointed down range, finger off the trigger, and raise your non-shooting hand
You hold that position until a range official arrives.
Chapter 3 · Malfunctions ↗