MCOLES Firearms Review Guide | Real Exam
Questions + A-Level Verified Solutions | Updated
2025/2026
What is a failure to fire? - correct answer The trigger is pulled and nothing
happens. The ignition pin hits the primer on the round, but no shot is fired
What can cause a failure to fire? - correct answer Usually bad ammo or a
bad recoil spring
What can cause a failure to feed? - correct answer The magazine is not
inserted all the way and no round is loaded into the chamber
How can a shooter correct a failure to fire or failure to feed? - correct answer
Tap the magazine, rack the slide, and reassess (Tap, Rack, Target)
What is a stovepipe? - correct answer The pistol fails to eject the empty
casing and the casing is caught in the slide as it returns to the rear
What can cause a stovepipe? - correct answer Usually bad ammo or "limp
wristing" the gun
How can a shooter correct a stovepipe when it occurs? - correct answer
Sweep your support hand across the top of the slide, "chopping" the casing
and sending it flying
What is a double feed? - correct answer Two rounds become lodged in the
receiver
, What causes a double feed? - correct answer The shooter's support hand is
pressed against the slide, not allowing it to eject the casing after a shot. Also,
if the back of the gun is pressed against the officer's chest
How can a shooter correct a double feed? - correct answer 1. Strip the
magazine from the gun
2. Rack the slide until both rounds are ejected
What is a squib load? - correct answer A round does not fire fully through the
barrel and becomes stuck in the barrel
What causes a squib load? - correct answer The round either has insufficient
powder or contaminated powder and will not fully fire
How can a shooter correct a squib load? - correct answer Completely
disassemble the gun and pray the barrel is not bulged by the round
If you are an officer in a gunfight and your gun has a squib load malfunction,
what should you do immediately to address the issue? - correct answer Draw
your backup weapon and use it instead. Shooting your primary weapon with a
squib load will make it explode.
What are the four rules of firearm safety? - correct answer 1. Treat every
weapon as if it were loaded
2. Never point the weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to engage
4. Ensure positive target identification and it's surroundings
What are the three main shooting positions? - correct answer 1. Standing
Questions + A-Level Verified Solutions | Updated
2025/2026
What is a failure to fire? - correct answer The trigger is pulled and nothing
happens. The ignition pin hits the primer on the round, but no shot is fired
What can cause a failure to fire? - correct answer Usually bad ammo or a
bad recoil spring
What can cause a failure to feed? - correct answer The magazine is not
inserted all the way and no round is loaded into the chamber
How can a shooter correct a failure to fire or failure to feed? - correct answer
Tap the magazine, rack the slide, and reassess (Tap, Rack, Target)
What is a stovepipe? - correct answer The pistol fails to eject the empty
casing and the casing is caught in the slide as it returns to the rear
What can cause a stovepipe? - correct answer Usually bad ammo or "limp
wristing" the gun
How can a shooter correct a stovepipe when it occurs? - correct answer
Sweep your support hand across the top of the slide, "chopping" the casing
and sending it flying
What is a double feed? - correct answer Two rounds become lodged in the
receiver
, What causes a double feed? - correct answer The shooter's support hand is
pressed against the slide, not allowing it to eject the casing after a shot. Also,
if the back of the gun is pressed against the officer's chest
How can a shooter correct a double feed? - correct answer 1. Strip the
magazine from the gun
2. Rack the slide until both rounds are ejected
What is a squib load? - correct answer A round does not fire fully through the
barrel and becomes stuck in the barrel
What causes a squib load? - correct answer The round either has insufficient
powder or contaminated powder and will not fully fire
How can a shooter correct a squib load? - correct answer Completely
disassemble the gun and pray the barrel is not bulged by the round
If you are an officer in a gunfight and your gun has a squib load malfunction,
what should you do immediately to address the issue? - correct answer Draw
your backup weapon and use it instead. Shooting your primary weapon with a
squib load will make it explode.
What are the four rules of firearm safety? - correct answer 1. Treat every
weapon as if it were loaded
2. Never point the weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to engage
4. Ensure positive target identification and it's surroundings
What are the three main shooting positions? - correct answer 1. Standing
