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Home > Examination of Firearms > Examination > Long Guns

Based on findings from the preliminary examination, proceed with the examination of long guns as follows:

1. Determine the magazine capacity, if present.
   1. Load the magazine to capacity using dummy cartridges.
   2. When no more dummy cartridges can be inserted into the magazine, the magazine should be placed into the firearm to ensure the magazine will catch and function in the firearm.
   3. If the magazine can be inserted and functions properly, the dummy cartridges should be removed, counted, and the magazine capacity recorded.
2. Cycle the action to confirm proper functionality.
3. Determine if the firearm is capable of full automatic fire.
4. Determine if a selector switch is present.
1. If a selector switch is present, the firearm may be capable of full automatic fire by design
2. If a selector switch is not present, proceed with the steps below.
5. Cock the firearm.
6. Pull the trigger.
7. Holding the trigger to the rear, cycle the action.
1. If the firing mechanism is released, the firearm may be capable of full automatic fire.
2. If the firing mechanism is not released, the firearm is functioning properly.
8. Determine the choke if the firearm is a shotgun.
1. Check markings (if present) on barrel.
2. Measure interior diameter of muzzle.
3. If choke is adjustable, index the choke relative to the barrel using a metal scribe.
9. Test the trigger pull. Click to view trigger pull section
10. Test the safety functions. Click to view safety section
11. Test fire the firearm. Click to view test fire section

Click here to watch a long gun safety and preliminary examination demonstration
Courtesy of Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tampa, FL

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