Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

What should you do if your firearm misfires?

1. Open the action immediately

2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait

3. Leave the area quickly

4. Pull the trigger again quickly

The correct answer is: Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait

When a firearm misfires, it is critical to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait for a period of time before taking further action. This is because a misfire can sometimes be followed by a delayed firing due to a hangfire, where the primer ignites after a brief pause. By keeping the firearm pointed safely and waiting, you minimize the risk of injury to yourself and others in case the round discharges unexpectedly. Opening the action immediately may seem like a logical step, but it can put you in a position where the firearm could discharge if proper precautions are not taken. Leaving the area quickly is not safe, as it could lead to accidental shooting if the firearm goes off while moving. Pulling the trigger again quickly is dangerous and could result in an unintended discharge, especially since the firearm may still contain a live round that has not yet fired. Therefore, the best practice in the event of a misfire is to maintain control of the situation by keeping the firearm pointed safely and waiting.