Canadian Restricted and Non-Restricted Firearm Safety (CRFSC) Practice Exam

What should always be assumed about air, spring or gas firearms?

1. They can be safely ignored during loading procedures

2. They must be treated like firearms and apply ACTS/PROVE

3. They require less caution than traditional firearms

4. They are inherently safer than other types of firearms

The correct answer is: They must be treated like firearms and apply ACTS/PROVE

Air, spring, or gas firearms should always be treated like firearms, which means applying the ACTS (Assume Every firearm is loaded, Control the muzzle direction, Trigger finger is only outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot, and See that the firearm is unloaded) and PROVE (Prove the firearm is safe, Remove any ammunition, Observe the chamber, Verify the feeding path, and Ensure the firearm is not loaded) principles. This is crucial because these types of firearms can still cause serious injury or damage if mishandled. Even though they may not fire traditional ammunition, they can still project pellets or projectiles with significant force. Neglecting proper handling and safety protocols can lead to accidents. Therefore, adopting a rigorous approach to safety when handling air, spring, or gas firearms ensures that users remain vigilant and minimizes the risk of misuse or accidents. This emphasis on proper safety procedures contrasts sharply with the misconceptions that these types of firearms require less caution or can be ignored during loading, which is not the case. By maintaining a disciplined mindset grounded in the same safety principles used for other firearms, users can help ensure safe handling and ownership of all types of firearms.