Firearms Flashcards
Who is the CFP administered by?
The RCMP
What does CFP stand for?
Canadian Firearms Program
What is the goal of the Canadian Firearms Program?
- the licensing of all firearm owners and businesses;
- the delivery of the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses;
- public education regarding safe storage, transport and use of firearms; and
- import and export controls.
Where are Firearm Licensing, registration and other Program information recorded?
In the Canadian Firearms Information System
What are the vital 4 ACTS?
A. Assume every firearm is loaded
C. Control the muzzle direction at all times
T. Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and the trigger guard
S. See that the firearm is unloaded-Prove it safe
Why do you have to control the muzzle at all times?
So you can:
* Identify the safest available muzzle direction.
* Keep the firearm pointed in the safest available direction.
* The muzzle of a firearm should not be pointed towards yourself or any other
person.
Where does your trigger finger go when picking up a firearm?
- Do NOT put your finger on the trigger or inside the trigger guard when you pick
up a firearm.
, How do you prove the firearm is safe and unloaded, along with ACTS and PROVE?
- Do not handle the firearm unless you can properly PROVE it safe.
- Check to see that both chamber and magazine are empty. Do this every time
you handle a firearm, for any reason. - Pass or accept only open and unloaded firearms. It is an essential rule to adopt
How do you prove a firearm safe?
Point the firearm in the safest direction, remove all ammunition, observe the chamber (s), verify the feeding path, and examine the bore for obstructions (visually or with a rod).
What happens when the firearm leaves the hands of the person who PROVED it safe?
It is no longer a safe firearm.
What are some federal laws for firearm users and owners?
- All firearm owners need a valid firearm licence.
- If you are the holder of a valid Firearms Licence, you
must inform the Canadian Firearms Program within 30
days, when you change your address. - Persons holding a valid Possession Only Licence (POL)
may borrow the same class of firearm that he/she is
licensed to own. Persons holding a valid Possession
and Acquisition Licence (PAL) may borrow, buy, inherit
or otherwise acquire the same class of firearm that
he/she is licensed to own.
What are some potential provincial laws for firearm users?
- Some provinces/territories may require anyone who
hunts with a non-restricted firearm to wear blaze
orange clothing. - Some restrict shooting across or within a certain
distance of roads or dwellings. - Some provincial/territorial laws may limit your use of
motorized vehicles while hunting or shooting.
What are some potential municipal laws for firearm users?
- Some municipalities or counties may not allow the
discharge of a firearm under any circumstances within
their boundaries. - Some will regulate firing times and/or closeness to
dwellings.
What are some good ideas when using a firearm?
- Keep an inventory of your firearms. Also keep any supporting documents
such as photographs and owner’s manuals. Store these documents in a safe
place. This will help you describe any firearm that may be stolen or lost. It will
also be easier for you to find your owner’s manual and records of service or
repair. - Keep informed. Changes may occur in laws and regulations from time to time.
This can happen at any level, whether at the federal, provincial/territorial or
municipal. - Avoid advertising about the firearms in your home. You may be inviting theft.
What happens if someone points a firearm at another person, loaded or unloaded?
Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, points a
firearm at another person, whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded, and is:
1. guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years; or
2. guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction (a fine of $5,000
and/or six months imprisonment).
Reference: Subsections 87(1) and (2) of Part III of the Criminal Code
They may also lose their firearm, lose their licence, receive a fine, receive jail time
and/or be prohibited from possessing a firearm for a period of time.
What happens if someone does not store their firearm correctly?
Every person who stores, displays, transports or handles any firearm in a
manner contrary to the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms
by Individuals Regulations is:
1. guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment,
* in the case of a first offence, for a term not exceeding two years, and
* in the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a term not exceeding five
years; or
2. guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction (a fine of $5,000
and/or six months imprisonment).
Who were the first people to invent explosive powder?
The Chinese
What did the Chinese use explosive powder for?
Fireworks and rockets
Who used black powder to launch balls or projectiles from a cannon?
People from the middle ages.
How did people launch balls or projectiles from a cannon?
By igniting explosive powder behind the ball or projectile.
What happens when the explosive powder burns in a cannon?
The burning powder in the cannon produced rapidly expanding gas which forced the ball or projectile out of the open end of the barrel.
What is Black powder?
Explosive powder
Where is black powder used?
It is used in different types of firearms and for various purposes (e.g., hunting, target shooting).
What was one of the earliest firearms?
The matchlock
When was the matchlock invented?
In the early 1400s
What did the matchlock allow users to do?
The matchlock made it possible for the user to aim and fire while holding the firearm with both hands
What are some downsides of a matchlock?
Rain or wind could put out the match/wick and the presence of incandescent particles near the powder could cause an incident.
What does incandescent mean?
Emitting light as a result of being heated
What two improved firearm systems were invented in the 1600s?
The wheel lock and the flintlock.
When were the wheel lock and the flintlock invented?
In the 1600s
How did the wheel lock work?
Like a modern-day cigarette lighter
How was the spring wound up in a wheel lock?
With a key.
What were some downsides of the wheel lock?
The wheel lock mechanisms
were complex and expensive to make. Also, winding was slow and the spring often failed.
How are the wheellock and the flintlock similar?
They both use an ignition system
How do flintlocks produce sparks?
By striking a flint against steel.
Why was the flintlock popular?
Because it was cheaper and simpler to make and it weighed less than other firearms.
What were the standard firearms for centuries?
Flintlocks
What was an improvement on the flintlock that was made?
The development of a more reliable ignition system.
When was the percussion cap invented?
In the 1800s
What is a percussion cap?
A small metal case (cap) containing material that would explode when struck.
What was the first hand-held muzzleloader?
The matchlock.
How did the matchlock work?
It used a serpentine mechanism to
plunge burning wick into the flash
pan
What were the second hand-held muzzleloaders?
Wheel lock and flintlock
What was a reliable factor of the flintlock?
It had a more reliable ignition system
What are the disadvantages of a wheel lock?
- mechanisms are
complex and
expensive to
make - winding is slow
and springs often
fail
What are the disadvantages of a flintlock?
- flints wear out or
break - springs can fail
What was the percussion cap’s role in evolution?
It was the first step of the evolution to the first repeating firearms
What are the disadvantages of a percussion cap?
- cap separates
from powder and
bullet
What are the disadvantages of muzzle loaders?
But muzzleloaders were slow to reload. They were also limited to one shot per barrel.
What were all early firearms?
Muzzle loaders
How did muzzle loaders load?
They loaded through the muzzle
What were breech loaders?
Firearms that loaded from the back, not the muzzle.
What are the disadvantages of breech loaders?
Because expanding gases from the burning powder charge leaked back through the
breech parts.
How did metal-cased cartridge firearms work?
- Pulling the firearm trigger caused the firing pin to strike
the primer. - Ignited the powder charge.
- Cartridge casing to expand.
- The expanding gas launched the projectile down the barrel.
What were the advantages of metal-cased cartridge firearms?
- They were easily loaded into the breech.
- The expanding case prevented gas leakage.
- They were largely weatherproof.
- They were more reliable.
Why were metal-cased cartridges invented?
For shotguns.
What do metal-cased cartridges contain?
These too contain
one or more projectiles, powder and primer in one container
What separates the powder from the projectiles?
A wad
What were metal-cased cartridges made of?
The cartridge casing may be made
from metals or other materials such as paper or plastic.
What are the advantages of metal-cased cartridges?
Metallic cartridges and shotgun shells were easy to manufacture. Loading
firearms also became simpler. This made repeating firearms practical.
What were people willing to give furs for?
Firearms and ammunition
What was hunting used for?
For providing food especially when the crops were low
What do people use firearms for?
Hunting, target shooting, and gun collectors.
What was the role of firearms in the development of Canada?
What is the role of the percussion cap in the firing sequence?
What is the name of the similar mechanism used in both the flintlock and the
wheel lock?
What is Fg black powder?
Very coarse granules of powder. Used in larger bore muskets.
What is FFg black powder?
Finer granules than the Fg. Used in muzzleloading shotguns, bigbore rifles and single-shot pistols of .45 calibre and up.
What is FFFg black powder?
Finer granules than the FFg and the most common type. Used in
nearly all cap and ball revolvers.
What is FFFFg black powder?
The finest granules, also called priming powder. Used only in the
priming pans of flintlocks. Never use this type of powder as
powder charge.
What should you follow for info about powder types?
It is emphasized that all individuals follow the manufacturer’s
instructions regarding powder types and safe loads.
What are all muzzle loaders based on?
Older muzzle loaders
How are muzzle loaders loaded?
Through the muzzle
How are muzzle loaders loaded with ammunition?
A measured amount of powder
is poured through the muzzle into the barrel, followed by a patch and ball, bullet
or shot.
How do muzzle loaders work?
A measured amount of powder
is poured through the muzzle into the barrel, followed by a patch and ball, bullet
or shot. A hole located at the rear of the barrel just above the trigger allows a
flash or spark to enter the barrel through the priming port and ignite the powder,
firing the charge.
How do flintlock muzzle loaders work?
The igniting spark is the result of the flint, held by the
cock, hitting the frizzen.
How do percussion muzzle loaders work?
On percussion muzzleloaders, the flash is produced by
the hammer striking a percussion cap.
What type of powder do muzzle loaders use?
Muzzleloading firearms use black powder or black-powder substitutes
What is black powder classified as?
Black
powder is classified as an explosive and is easily ignited by heat, friction, static
electricity or a sharp blow and must be handled with extreme care. It is strongly
recommended that individuals interested in muzzleloading seek additional
training from qualified specialists in the field.
What should be done to older firearms?
Older firearms should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith to be sure
they can be fired safely.
What makes a muzzle loader safer to handle?
If a muzzleloader is not primed to fire
How do you make sure a muzzle loader is not primed to fire?
- Point the muzzle in the safest available direction and keep finger off the
trigger and out of the trigger guard. - Check that the hammer is not in full-cock position.
- Check for a percussion cap or see if the priming pan is primed.
- If the firearm is primed, remove cap or priming powder.
What is a difficult part of a muzzle loader?
It is difficult to tell if there is already a charge loaded in the barrel of a
muzzleloader.
How do you make sure a muzzle loader is not charge loaded in the barrel?
Experienced shooters mark the firearm’s ramrod at a level that
shows the bore depth when the bore is empty (Figure 9). When the marked
ramrod is inserted into the barrel, it shows whether or not the firearm is loaded.
What should you do if wondering about the loading and unloading process of a muzzle loader?
Check with the manufacturer
for specific safety features and information regarding the loading and unloading
process.
If the ramrod is at the 3rd line what does it mean?
That the firearm is hunting loaded
If the ramrod is at the 2nd line what does it mean?
That the firearm is target-loaded
If the ramrod is at the 1st line what does it mean?
THat the firearm is unloaded.
What do you have to do when cleaning a muzzleloader?
ACTS and PROVE.
What does moisture cause?
Rust
What is attracted to moisture?
Black powder
What is black powder?
Very corrosive
How do you clean black powder?
Use either commercial black-powder cleaning solvent or hot, soapy water
What do you need when cleaning a muzzleloader?
A ramrod
What do you use to soften dried black powder?
Wet patches
What are the do’s of muzzleloaders?
Do have old muzzleloading firearms dismantled, examined and declared safe by
a qualified gunsmith before using them.
* Do handle the muzzleloader with the same respect due all firearms.
* Do use ONLY black powder or black-powder substitutes (e.g., Pyrodex) in your
muzzleloader.
* Do keep black powder far away from all cigarettes, matches/wicks or anything
with an open flame, embers or anything that may cause sparks or heat.
* Do always use a powder measure to pour powder directly into the muzzle. Never
use the powder horn or flask.
* Do carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum powder
charge.
* Do mark your ramrod to indicate when the barrel is empty and when it is loaded.
* Do wipe the bore clean of oil and excess grease before you load.
* Do make sure the ball or bullet is seated firmly on the powder charge.
STUDENT HANDBOOK – 2014
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* Do treat a misfire as a hangfire that could fire at any second. Wait at least 60
seconds with the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
* Do wear safety glasses and hearing protection during the firing sequence.
* Do reseat your second charge after firing and reloading a single barrel on a
multiple-barrel black-powder firearm. Recoil can move the charge forward.
What are the don’t’s of muzzleloaders?
Don’t lean over or stand in front of the muzzle at any time.
* Don’t load one barrel of a double-barrelled-muzzleloading shotgun unless the
percussion cap on the nipple of the other barrel has been removed.
* Don’t store a muzzleloader with powder in it.
What type of powder is safe to use in muzzleloaders?
Black powder
Is it safe to pour powder into a muzzleloader directly from a powder horn?
Never pour powder directly from the horn or flask into the muzzle, because this could cause an explosion and backfire into the container.
What are the 3 main parts of a modern firearm?
The barrel, the action and the stock
What is the barrel?
The barrel is a tube, typically made of metal. The bullet or shot travels down this tube when the firearm is fired.
What is a data stamp?
Cartridge information that is required for that firearm
on the barrel
What is the muzzle?
The opening at the end of the barrel from which the bullet or shot emerges
What are in the firearm action?
- Chamber the cartridge
- Fire the ammunition
- Ejects the unfired cartridges and fired cartridge/shell casings. And Triggers, safeties and magazines
What does the trigger do?
The trigger releases the hammer or firing pin that fires the cartridge
What is a trigger guard?
A rigid loop around the trigger made to protect it and prevent anything
from unintentionally touching the trigger.
What are safeties?
Safeties usually block some part of the action to prevent firing. Some firearms do
not have safeties.
What position should safeties be in?
The safety should be ON / SAFETY POSITION whenever a firearm is loaded. It
should only be moved to OFF / FIRING POSITION when required.
What can not be depended on for not firing a firearm?
Never rely on safety to prevent firing. A loaded firearm with a safety
ON could still fire. All mechanical devices can fail— safeties can wear down and
may not operate properly.
What is a magazine?
The magazine is a device that holds cartridges in repeating firearms. The
location of the magazine depends on the make and model of the firearm.
What are the 2 types of magazines?
Fixed and removable
What is the stock?
The stock is the handle of the firearm. Most are made of wood or a synthetic material.
What are stocks designed for?
Stocks are designed to automatically align your finger with the trigger when you
pick up the firearm. You must be ever cautious not to put your finger into the
trigger guard or on the trigger of a firearm that you are picking up.
What is the modern firing sequence?
- A squeeze on the trigger releases the firing mechanism. This results in the firing
pin striking the primer of the cartridge. - When struck by the firing pin, the primer explodes. This projects a flame into the
cartridge body. - The flame from the primer ignites the powder. The powder burns and produces
rapidly expanding gases. - The high-pressure gas drives the bullet or shot forward down the barrel.
How are firearms designed?
Depending on their purpose. Some are made for target
shooting. Others are used for hunting birds or small game. Still others are for hunting big game.
What are the 2 common non-restricted firearms?
- Shotguns
- Rifles
What are the modern basic actions?
- Muzzleloader (percussion cap and flint) action
- Hinge (or break) action
- Bolt action
- Lever action
- Pump action
- Semi-automatic action
What type of firearms have multiple barrels?
Typically, shotguns or
combination shotguns/rifles.
What are the classifications of firearms?
- Non-restricted
- Restricted
- Prohibited
Prohibited firearms are subject to the most stringent controls, restricted
firearms are controlled to a lesser extent and non-restricted firearms are the least
regulated of the three classes.
What applies to all classes of firearms?
The Vital Four ACTS of Firearm Safety and PROVE apply to all classes of
firearms.
All air, spring or gas firearms must be treated like firearms and must apply
ACTS/PROVE. True or false?
TRUE
How many hours a day are you responsible for your firearms and ammunition?
All firearms and ammunition under your control are your responsibility 24 hours a
day
Where are firearms safer to be stored?
Firearms are safer when stored and transported under lock and key. Examples
include trigger or cable locks, and securely locked containers.
What are you required to do with your firearm before putting it away?
You are required by law to have your firearm unloaded and properly
locked.
What do you have to do when transporting firearms and why?
Keep firearms and ammunition out of sight during transport and storage. This will
reduce the chances of theft. It will also prevent unqualified or unauthorized persons
from using them.
What must be kept away from children?
Ammunition and firearms must be kept away from unsupervised children. Unlawful
storage of firearms is a criminal offence that can lead to tragedy and serious
consequences for the person found to be responsible.
How do you store firearms and ammunition?
Lock the firearm and the ammunition separately when
storing them or lock them in a secure container, receptacle or room that cannot be
easily broken into.
When should a firearm be loaded?
A firearm should be loaded only when you intend to use it and where it can be safely
and legally discharged. At all other times, it should be unloaded.
Where do you load and unload your firearm at a firing range?
At the firing range, load a firearm only when you have reached the shooting area
and you are ready to shoot. Completely unload the firearm before you leave the
shooting area.
What do you have to do when giving someone a firearm?
Always make sure a firearm is unloaded before you pass it to anyone or anytime it
leaves your hands. Whenever possible, leave the action open.
What do you not accept from someone?
Never accept a loaded firearm from anyone.
What can’t you do with a firearm?
-Never run with a loaded firearm. -Never climb or cross an obstacle with a loaded
firearm.
-Never jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
-Never toss or drop a firearm across a ditch or fence.
-Do not lean loaded firearms against a vehicle, tree or wall. They could fall over and discharge.
How should you transport firearms?
Transport only unloaded firearms by vehicle or boat. Many incidents occur as firearms are being stored or removed from a vehicle. The motion of the vehicle or boat can make you stumble or drop the firearm. Either way, it can fire unintentionally
if it is loaded. Transport only unloaded firearms by vehicle or boat. Many incidents occur as
firearms are being stored or removed from a vehicle. The motion of the vehicle or
boat can make you stumble or drop the firearm. Either way, it can fire unintentionally
if it is loaded.
What do you have to do before you shoot?
- Always examine the bore for obstructions before loading.
- Always check that you are using the right ammunition. Use only the
ammunition for which the firearm was designed. Carry only the type of
ammunition you intend to shoot. - Never rely on the firearm’s safety. Safeties wear down and may not work
properly. A loaded firearm may fire even with the safety on. All mechanical
devices can fail.