Final answer:
True, it's important to keep a gun pointed in a safe direction after a primer is struck and the cartridge does not fire immediately to prevent accidents from a delayed discharge known as a hang fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. When a cartridge fails to fire after the primer has been struck by the firing pin, the shooter should indeed keep the gun pointed in a safe direction in case of a hang fire. A hang fire is a delay in the ignition of the gunpowder after the primer has been struck. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including faulty ammunition or environmental conditions affecting the primer or powder. The danger with a hang fire is that the cartridge may still discharge after a short delay, so it is essential to maintain firearm safety protocols by keeping the weapon pointed in a direction where an inadvertent discharge would not cause harm to the shooter or bystanders. This precaution helps prevent accidents and ensures that if the round does eventually fire, it will do so without injuring someone or causing property damage.