For a rifle competency you train against unit standard 119650 and 119651 as well as Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act. These practice questions cover self-loading and manually operated rifles and carbines: actions, unloading, malfunctions, zeroing and safe handling.
40 random questions on the law, safe handling and the firearms you're training for, with every answer explained. Free with a LicenseWatch account.
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1. What does 'self-loading' (semi-automatic) mean?
Answer: It fires one shot each time you pull the trigger and reloads itself. A self-loading firearm uses the energy of each shot to eject the case and load the next round, but fires only once per trigger pull.
2. For self-defence, hunting or sport shooting, under which license types can a private person license a semi-automatic rifle?
Answer: Section 14 (restricted self-defence) or section 16 (dedicated). Semi-automatic rifles fall under section 14 (restricted firearm for self-defence) or section 16 (dedicated hunting or sport shooting), not section 15.
3. What does the charging handle do?
Answer: Pulls the bolt back to load or unload the chamber. The charging handle (cocking handle) is used to move the bolt by hand.
4. The rifle fails to fire a round from the magazine. After waiting in case of a hang fire, what is usually checked first?
Answer: That the magazine is properly seated, then work the action and reassess. Many feeding problems come from a magazine that isn't fully seated. Seat it, work the action, and reassess.
5. After rapid firing, the barrel is very hot. What's a risk of leaving a round in the chamber?
Answer: The heat can set off the cartridge (cook-off). A very hot chamber can ignite a cartridge without the trigger being pulled. Unload and let it cool.
6. How should the rifle's butt be placed when shooting?
Answer: Firmly in the pocket of your shoulder. A firm shoulder position controls recoil and keeps your aim steady.
7. Where does gas-operated rifle fouling build up most, needing regular cleaning?
Answer: In the gas system and bolt area. Carbon builds up in the gas system and bolt, which can cause malfunctions if not cleaned.
8. What is the correct trigger technique for an accurate shot with a rifle?
Answer: A smooth, steady press straight back. A smooth press, ideally during the natural pause in your breathing, keeps the sights on target.
9. Unloading a bolt-action rifle with a magazine: what's the right order?
Answer: Safety on, remove the magazine (or empty it), open the bolt to eject the chambered round, then inspect. Empty the magazine first, then work the bolt to eject the chambered round, and check both the chamber and magazine.
10. What does 'zeroing' a rifle mean?
Answer: Adjusting the sights so the bullet hits where you aim at a chosen distance. Zeroing matches point of aim and point of impact at a set distance, for example 100 m.
11. Which shooting position is usually the most stable?
Answer: Prone (lying down). Lying prone gives the most support and steadiest aim.
12. Why should you never shoot at an animal standing on the skyline (top of a ridge)?
Answer: You can't see where the bullet will land beyond it. With nothing behind the target, a bullet can travel kilometres into an area you can't see.
13. What is the safest way to hand a firearm to someone else?
Answer: Unloaded, with the action open, muzzle in a safe direction. Hand it over unloaded with the action open so the other person can see it's empty, and keep the muzzle in a safe direction.
14. You hear movement in the bush during a hunt. What do you do?
Answer: Never shoot until you have clearly identified your target. Never shoot at sound, shape or movement. Positively identify what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.
15. When you're tired, angry or upset, what's the safest choice with firearms?
Answer: Don't handle them until you're calm and alert. Good decisions and safe handling need a clear head.
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Frequently asked questions
What is in the rifle competency theory?
Safe handling and muzzle control, loading and unloading, storage and carrying, common malfunctions and how to clear them, basic maintenance, and when a firearm may and may not be used. Your training provider sets the actual test.
Do I need a separate competency for a rifle?
Yes. Proficiency training and competency are done per type of firearm: handgun, self-loading rifle or carbine, manually operated rifle or carbine, and shotgun.