Arkansas Hunters Ed Practice Exam

What should you do if your firearm misfires?

1. Check the magazine

2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait 30 seconds before investigating

3. Unload and clean the firearm immediately

4. Fire again to see if it works

The correct answer is: Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait 30 seconds before investigating

If your firearm misfires, the best course of action is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait 30 seconds before investigating. This procedure is important because a misfire can sometimes be a delay fire, where the cartridge does not ignite immediately but could explode after a short period of time. By maintaining a safe direction, you ensure that, should the weapon discharge unexpectedly, it does not pose a risk to yourself or others. Waiting for 30 seconds gives any residual energy in the round time to dissipate, reducing the risk of injury. This is a standard safety practice that emphasizes caution in potentially dangerous situations. In contrast, checking the magazine or unloading and cleaning the firearm immediately may not address the immediate safety concern of a misfire situation. Attempting to fire again could also be extremely hazardous, as it would not resolve the original issue and might lead to further danger. Therefore, the recommended action prioritizes safety first and foremost.