New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

What should you do immediately after pulling the trigger if your firearm does not fire?

1. Open the action and remove the cartridge or shell

2. Look down the barrel to investigate the problem

3. Attempt to fire again immediately

4. Shake the firearm to loosen any potential jams

The correct answer is: Open the action and remove the cartridge or shell

The correct action to take immediately after pulling the trigger and realizing that your firearm did not fire is to open the action and remove the cartridge or shell. This is crucial for safety reasons. When a firearm fails to discharge, it could be due to a misfire or a hangfire, where there is a delayed ignition of the primer. By opening the action, you can safely clear the chamber, ensuring that no further attempts to fire lead to an accident or injury. It is a prudent step to check for any potential obstructions or issues within the firearm that might cause a malfunction. Looking down the barrel may seem like a way to diagnose the problem, but it poses significant safety risks, such as the potential for an unintentional discharge if the firearm were to fire unexpectedly. Immediately attempting to fire again could exacerbate the situation, leading to dangerous consequences if there is indeed a malfunction. Shaking the firearm is not a reliable method for resolving jams and could potentially worsen the situation by dislodging internal components or creating further issues. Thus, the safest and most responsible course of action is to open the action and clear the firearm.