Final answer:
The student must demonstrate how to clear a misfire after learning basic pistol handling actions, ensuring safety in the event the firearm fails to fire. This involves a sequence of safety checks and actions to resolve the issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
After demonstrating loading, cocking, uncocking, and unloading each action type of a pistol, the next demonstration which must be performed by the student is c) demonstrate how to clear a misfire. This step is vital to ensure the safe handling of firearms. A misfire can happen when the firearm fails to fire despite the trigger being pulled, and can lead to a potentially dangerous situation if not handled properly. Clearing a misfire generally involves several steps:
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, preferably downrange.
- Wait to ensure that it is not a "hangfire," a delay in ignition of the cartridge.
- If a hangfire is not the case, carefully open the action of the pistol and remove the malfunctioning cartridge.
- Inspect the firearm to ensure there are no other obstructions or issues.
It is important for anyone handling a firearm to know and be able to perform this procedure to maintain safety on the range or in any environment where firearms are present.