California Firearms Safety Certificates (CAFSC) Practice Exam

What type of firearm is classified as a single-action revolver?

1. A semi-automatic pistol

2. A double-action revolver

3. A break-action shotgun

4. A revolver that requires the hammer to be cocked before firing

The correct answer is: A revolver that requires the hammer to be cocked before firing

A single-action revolver is characterized by its operational mechanism, in which the shooter must manually cock the hammer before each shot is fired. This is essential to its function, as pulling the trigger alone will not fire the weapon; it simply releases the cocked hammer to strike the firing pin. This design requires a deliberate action each time the trigger is pulled, which adds a layer of control for the shooter. In contrast, the other choices represent different firearm types with distinct firing mechanisms. A semi-automatic pistol automatically chambers a new round after the previous one is fired, eliminating the need for manual cocking of the hammer. A double-action revolver allows the shooter to either pull the trigger, which cocks and releases the hammer in one motion, or to cock the hammer manually for a lighter trigger pull. A break-action shotgun, meanwhile, operates by breaking at the hinge to allow the insertion of ammunition, rather than a revolver-style mechanism. Thus, the defining feature of the single-action revolver—the requirement to cock the hammer prior to firing—accurately distinguishes it as the appropriate answer.