Hunters Guide

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Operating actions practice questions for Canada

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 3 operating actions questions are drawn from the CFSC Practice Test. They are original practice items written from published Canadian Firearms Safety Course curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Operating actions questions

  1. 1On a pump action, what does the action bar lock do?

    1. Prevents the trigger moving
    2. Holds the fore-end closed, and usually must be released before the action can be opened on an unfired round
    3. Locks the safety on
    4. Secures the magazine
    Show the answer

    Holds the fore-end closed, and usually must be released before the action can be opened on an unfired round

    Not knowing the release is why people force a pump action. Finding and using it is part of proving that particular firearm safe.

  2. 2Why must the magazine be removed before the chamber on a semi-automatic?

    1. It is not required
    2. Because cycling the action with the magazine fitted simply chambers the next cartridge
    3. To protect the extractor
    4. To disengage the safety
    Show the answer

    Because cycling the action with the magazine fitted simply chambers the next cartridge

    Order matters on any firearm that feeds itself. Chamber first is the single most common error in proving a semi-automatic safe.

  3. 3What must you do after removing the magazine and cycling the action?

    1. Close the action and apply the safety
    2. Look into the chamber and then down the bore to confirm both are clear
    3. Assume it is clear
    4. Dry fire to confirm
    Show the answer

    Look into the chamber and then down the bore to confirm both are clear

    PROVE ends with examining the bore for exactly this reason: an empty chamber above an obstructed barrel is still a dangerous firearm.

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