New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes a misfire?

1. When the firearm fires after a delay

2. When the firearm fails to fire due to a malfunction

3. When the firearm discharges accidentally

4. When the firearm fires two rounds with one trigger pull

The correct answer is: When the firearm fails to fire due to a malfunction

A misfire is best described as an event where the firearm fails to fire due to a malfunction. This can occur for various reasons, such as a faulty primer or an issue with the ammunition itself, preventing the firearm from discharging even though the trigger has been pulled. The other options describe different situations related to firearm operation. For instance, a delay in firing suggests a hangfire, which is when there is a delay between pulling the trigger and the discharge. An accidental discharge refers to a situation where the firearm fires without intentional action from the shooter, typically due to mishandling or a mechanical failure, which is not synonymous with a misfire. Lastly, firing two rounds with one trigger pull describes a double discharge, which is also a separate malfunction and not a misfire. Understanding these distinctions helps illustrate why a misfire specifically relates to a failure to fire due to some malfunction within the firearm or ammunition.