NRA Basic Pistol
I. Understanding Pistol Components & Function:
1. The Core Trio: Cylinder, Frame, and Barrel. These are the three
fundamental building blocks of a pistol. Understanding their roles is the first
step in firearm familiarity.
2. Revolver Cartridge Housing: The Cylinder. This rotating component
holds individual cartridges in distinct chambers, ready for sequential firing.
3. Initiating the Shot: The Trigger Mechanism. This crucial part is
responsible for releasing the energy (from a spring-powered hammer or
striker) that ignites the cartridge.
4. The Pistol's Backbone: The Frame. Serving as the central structural
element, the frame integrates and supports all other pistol components.
5. Ammunition Essentials: Case, Primer, Powder Charge, and Bullet.
Every cartridge comprises these four key parts, each playing a vital role in
the firing process.
6. Semi-Automatic Ammunition Storage: The Magazine. This detachable
component in semi-automatic pistols holds a supply of cartridges, allowing
for rapid reloading.
7. Where the Projectile Exits: The Muzzle. This is the forward-most opening
of the barrel through which the bullet is expelled.
8. The Firing Chamber: Where Ignition Occurs. The chamber is the specific
area within the barrel where a cartridge is positioned and fired.
9. The Projectile: The Bullet. This is the component propelled from the
firearm towards the target.
10.Igniting the Powder: The Primer. This pressure-sensitive element within
the cartridge initiates the burning of the gunpowder.
11.The Cartridge Casing: Holding it All Together. The case serves as the
container for all other components of a round of ammunition.
12.Propelling the Bullet: Burning Gun Powder. The rapid combustion of
gunpowder creates high-pressure gas, the force that drives the bullet down
the barrel.
II. Mastering Pistol Aiming & Shooting Fundamentals:
1. The Two Pillars of Aiming: Sight Alignment & Sight Picture. Achieving
accuracy hinges on these two critical steps in the aiming process.
, 2. Your Focal Point: The Front Sight. When aiming a pistol, your eye should
be sharply focused on the front sight.
3. Ensuring Correct Ammunition: Barrel/Slide Markings, Manual,
Cartridge Box & Headstamp. Always verify these indicators to guarantee
you're using the appropriate ammunition for your firearm.
4. Grip Consistency: The Foundation of Accurate Shooting. A consistent
and proper grip is paramount for minimizing movement and achieving
accuracy.
5. Integrating for Success: The Follow-Through. This crucial technique
involves maintaining all shooting fundamentals before, during, and after the
shot.
6. Minimizing Movement: Holding Your Breath. Briefly holding your
breath during the aiming and trigger pull can significantly reduce body
movement.
7. Practicing Without Ammunition: Dry-Firing. This valuable technique
allows you to hone your shooting skills without live rounds.
8. Understanding Sight Adjustments: Moving the Rear Sight. To correct
your point of impact, remember the basic rule: move the rear sight in the
direction you want the bullet to go.
9. Achieving a Steady Shot: Trigger Control. The ability to pull the trigger
smoothly without disturbing your aligned sights is essential for accuracy.
10.The Elements of a Solid Stance: Consistency, Balance, Support, Natural
Aiming Area, and Comfort. A stable and comfortable shooting position is
crucial for consistent results.
11.Perfecting Your View: Proper Sight Alignment. This involves ensuring
the top edges of the front and rear sights are level and the front sight is
centered within the rear sight notch.
III. Addressing Firearm Safety & Malfunctions:
1. Immediate Action for Failure to Fire: If a cartridge doesn't fire, keep the
gun pointed in a safe direction, wait at least 30 seconds, then carefully open
the action and remove the cartridge.
2. When a Shot Doesn't Happen: Misfire. This term describes the event
when the pistol fails to discharge after the trigger is pulled.
3. Mechanical Limitations: Safety Mechanisms Can Fail. It's crucial to
remember that a safety is a mechanical device and not a substitute for safe
gun handling practices.
4. Low Pressure Issues: The Squib Load. This dangerous condition occurs
when a cartridge develops significantly less than normal pressure.
I. Understanding Pistol Components & Function:
1. The Core Trio: Cylinder, Frame, and Barrel. These are the three
fundamental building blocks of a pistol. Understanding their roles is the first
step in firearm familiarity.
2. Revolver Cartridge Housing: The Cylinder. This rotating component
holds individual cartridges in distinct chambers, ready for sequential firing.
3. Initiating the Shot: The Trigger Mechanism. This crucial part is
responsible for releasing the energy (from a spring-powered hammer or
striker) that ignites the cartridge.
4. The Pistol's Backbone: The Frame. Serving as the central structural
element, the frame integrates and supports all other pistol components.
5. Ammunition Essentials: Case, Primer, Powder Charge, and Bullet.
Every cartridge comprises these four key parts, each playing a vital role in
the firing process.
6. Semi-Automatic Ammunition Storage: The Magazine. This detachable
component in semi-automatic pistols holds a supply of cartridges, allowing
for rapid reloading.
7. Where the Projectile Exits: The Muzzle. This is the forward-most opening
of the barrel through which the bullet is expelled.
8. The Firing Chamber: Where Ignition Occurs. The chamber is the specific
area within the barrel where a cartridge is positioned and fired.
9. The Projectile: The Bullet. This is the component propelled from the
firearm towards the target.
10.Igniting the Powder: The Primer. This pressure-sensitive element within
the cartridge initiates the burning of the gunpowder.
11.The Cartridge Casing: Holding it All Together. The case serves as the
container for all other components of a round of ammunition.
12.Propelling the Bullet: Burning Gun Powder. The rapid combustion of
gunpowder creates high-pressure gas, the force that drives the bullet down
the barrel.
II. Mastering Pistol Aiming & Shooting Fundamentals:
1. The Two Pillars of Aiming: Sight Alignment & Sight Picture. Achieving
accuracy hinges on these two critical steps in the aiming process.
, 2. Your Focal Point: The Front Sight. When aiming a pistol, your eye should
be sharply focused on the front sight.
3. Ensuring Correct Ammunition: Barrel/Slide Markings, Manual,
Cartridge Box & Headstamp. Always verify these indicators to guarantee
you're using the appropriate ammunition for your firearm.
4. Grip Consistency: The Foundation of Accurate Shooting. A consistent
and proper grip is paramount for minimizing movement and achieving
accuracy.
5. Integrating for Success: The Follow-Through. This crucial technique
involves maintaining all shooting fundamentals before, during, and after the
shot.
6. Minimizing Movement: Holding Your Breath. Briefly holding your
breath during the aiming and trigger pull can significantly reduce body
movement.
7. Practicing Without Ammunition: Dry-Firing. This valuable technique
allows you to hone your shooting skills without live rounds.
8. Understanding Sight Adjustments: Moving the Rear Sight. To correct
your point of impact, remember the basic rule: move the rear sight in the
direction you want the bullet to go.
9. Achieving a Steady Shot: Trigger Control. The ability to pull the trigger
smoothly without disturbing your aligned sights is essential for accuracy.
10.The Elements of a Solid Stance: Consistency, Balance, Support, Natural
Aiming Area, and Comfort. A stable and comfortable shooting position is
crucial for consistent results.
11.Perfecting Your View: Proper Sight Alignment. This involves ensuring
the top edges of the front and rear sights are level and the front sight is
centered within the rear sight notch.
III. Addressing Firearm Safety & Malfunctions:
1. Immediate Action for Failure to Fire: If a cartridge doesn't fire, keep the
gun pointed in a safe direction, wait at least 30 seconds, then carefully open
the action and remove the cartridge.
2. When a Shot Doesn't Happen: Misfire. This term describes the event
when the pistol fails to discharge after the trigger is pulled.
3. Mechanical Limitations: Safety Mechanisms Can Fail. It's crucial to
remember that a safety is a mechanical device and not a substitute for safe
gun handling practices.
4. Low Pressure Issues: The Squib Load. This dangerous condition occurs
when a cartridge develops significantly less than normal pressure.
