Firearm Safety Quiz: Handling Training Lesson

Study Notes

The spring prevents the firing pin from coming into contact with the primer of a round unless struck by the internal hammer when the action is locked closed.
The ejector is a mechanism that throws the spent shell or round free of the weapon, located on the left inside portion of the receiver.
The trigger guard protects the trigger from damage and/or accidental discharge.
The cross-bolt safety is a mechanical safety that prevents the trigger from moving rearward and firing the weapon.
When the cross-bolt safety is protruding to the right of the trigger guard, the safety is “on” and the weapon cannot be fired.
The action bar lock is located along the left front portion of the trigger guard and locks the action closed.

Breath control is not as critical with a shotgun as with a rifle or pistol, and breath should be normal.
The point of aim with the shotgun should be at the lower extremities of the target, if practical.
Sight alignment is the relationship between the front and rear sights, where the bottom of the front sight is centered left-to-right on the top of the rear sight.
The spread of the shotgun’s pattern ranges between several inches at 7 yards to several feet at 40 yards.
Trigger control involves slow, continuous rearward pressure to avoid disturbing sight alignment or the intended point of aim.

The qualifying course-of-fire for the shotgun tests the shooter’s ability to load, unload, fire, and control the weapon safely and properly.
When operating the safety, always reach over the stock, never under or through the trigger guard.

A stoppage is any unintentional interruption of the cycle of operation, often caused by faulty ammunition, a faulty and/or dirty weapon, or shooter error.
A malfunction is a mechanical or physical problem with a weapon that prevents it from operating.
A hang fire is the delayed ignition of a shotgun shell.
Shooter error is a shooter-induced error that prevents the weapon from being fired, such as not locking the action closed.
A squib load is a shotgun shell characterized by a reduced recoil and sound, usually caused by an insufficient powder charge.

To clear a jam, first put the safety on, then depress the action bar lock with the strong hand index finger.
Next, return the strong hand to the pistol grip, then grasp the fore-end firmly with the weak hand and apply rearward pressure.
If the jam is not cleared, keeping the muzzle vertical above the head, depress the action bar lock, then strike the butt of the shotgun on a solid surface.