Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Practice Exam

A hangfire is a specific type of malfunction that can occur with firearms, characterized by a delay between the trigger pull and the actual firing of the cartridge. Identifying a hangfire as a hazard is crucial because it poses a significant risk to the shooter and anyone nearby. Since this condition can create uncertainty about whether the cartridge will eventually fire, it requires immediate attention and safe handling procedures.

With a hangfire, there may be a brief period where the shooter believes the cartridge has not fired, which could lead to premature actions such as opening the action of the firearm or attempting to remove the cartridge from the chamber. In contrast, other options, such as using an incorrect caliber or misalignment of sights, present different types of issues that do not directly relate to the immediate hazard of a cartridge that may not fire. An immediate explosion, while dangerous, signifies that the cartridge has fired and does not apply to the scenario where the cartridge may not fire at all. Understanding the implications of a hangfire equips individuals with the knowledge necessary to handle such situations safely, highlighting the importance of firearm safety training.