California Firearms Safety Certificates (CAFSC) Practice Exam

Is it permissible to use rimfire cartridges in center-fire firearms?

1. Yes, it is permissible

2. No, it is not permissible

3. Only in certain conditions

4. Only for target practice

The correct answer is: No, it is not permissible

Using rimfire cartridges in centerfire firearms is not permissible because the two types of cartridges operate on different principles. Rimfire cartridges have the primer located in the rim of the cartridge case, which ignites when struck by the firing pin. In contrast, centerfire cartridges contain the primer in the center of the cartridge case. This fundamental difference in design means that rimfire cartridges cannot fit into the chamber of a centerfire firearm correctly, making it physically impossible to fire them. Attempting to do so could not only damage the firearm but also pose significant safety hazards, as the firearm is not engineered to handle the specific pressures and firing mechanisms associated with rimfire ammunition. While some firearms are designed to be versatile and can handle both types of ammunition, typically, an adaptation in the firearm's specified design is required. Therefore, it's crucial to always use the type of ammunition that matches the firearm specifications indicated by the manufacturer, ensuring safe and effective operation.