Corrections Officer State Certification (SOCE) Practice Exam

Which term refers to a firearm that fires every round double action with the hammer at rest against the rear?

1. Single action

2. Double/single action

3. Double action only

4. Revolver action

The correct answer is: Double action only

The correct term for a firearm that fires every round double action with the hammer at rest against the rear is "Double action only." This type of firearm operates such that pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and releases it to fire the round. In this scenario, the hammer is not manually cocked, and each trigger pull operates the firing mechanism. This design often enhances safety, as there's no single action feature available that could allow for a round to fire without a deliberate trigger pull. The implication here is a consistent and predictable firing action, which is critical in certain law enforcement and military contexts where rapid engagement is necessary. In contrast, single action firearms require the hammer to be manually cocked before the trigger can be pulled to fire. A double/single action firearm can operate in either mode, allowing the shooter to switch between single and double-action firing. Revolver action pertains more to the specific operating mechanism of revolvers without addressing the specific firing action involved in this question.