Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

What is the component in ammunition that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin?

1. Bullet

2. Primer

3. Gunpowder

4. Case

The correct answer is: Primer

The primer is the small metal cup at the base of a cartridge that contains a compound that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin. The bullet, gunpowder, and case are all important components of ammunition, but they do not serve this specific purpose. The bullet is the projectile that is shot out of the gun, the gunpowder is the explosive material that propels the bullet, and the case holds all of these components together.