NRA Shotgun Instructor Course Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary role of an NRA Shotgun Instructor is to
A. Sell firearms and ammunition
B. Compete in shooting sports
C. Teach safe and responsible shotgun handling and marksmanship
D. Repair shotguns
Answer: C
Rationale: NRA instructors are certified to teach safety, fundamentals, and
responsible use, not sales or gunsmithing.
2. Which NRA rule is considered the most important rule of firearm
safety?
A. Keep firearms clean
B. Store firearms unloaded
, C. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
D. Wear hearing protection
Answer: C
Rationale: Muzzle control is the foundational rule that prevents injuries
regardless of other factors.
3. In NRA terminology, a “safe direction” means
A. Toward the ground only
B. Toward a backstop
C. Away from people and property
D. A direction where an unintentional discharge would not cause
injury or damage
Answer: D
Rationale: Safe direction is defined by outcome, not a single physical
orientation.
4. Before handing a shotgun to another person, the instructor should
A. Engage the safety
B. Check the chamber only
C. Open the action and verify the shotgun is unloaded
D. Remove the trigger group
,Answer: C
Rationale: Visually and physically confirming an unloaded condition is
essential.
5. The purpose of a shotgun safety mechanism is to
A. Prevent all accidents
B. Replace safe handling
C. Improve accuracy
D. Provide a mechanical device that reduces the chance of discharge
Answer: D
Rationale: Safeties are mechanical aids and do not replace safe handling
practices.
6. An NRA Shotgun Instructor must emphasize that eye and ear
protection
A. Is optional for experienced shooters
B. Is required only indoors
C. Should be worn by everyone on the range
D. Is needed only for students
Answer: C
Rationale: Universal protection sets the standard for safe training
environments.
, 7. Which of the following is a common shotgun action type?
A. Bolt-action only
B. Lever-action only
C. Pump-action
D. Revolver-action
Answer: C
Rationale: Pump-action shotguns are one of the most common designs.
8. The gauge of a shotgun refers to
A. Barrel length
B. Chamber pressure
C. The bore size based on a lead-ball measurement system
D. The weight of the shotgun
Answer: C
Rationale: Gauge is a traditional measurement related to bore diameter.
9. Which gauge is commonly used for training and sporting purposes?
A. 10 gauge
B. 12 gauge
C. 4 gauge
D. 2 gauge
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary role of an NRA Shotgun Instructor is to
A. Sell firearms and ammunition
B. Compete in shooting sports
C. Teach safe and responsible shotgun handling and marksmanship
D. Repair shotguns
Answer: C
Rationale: NRA instructors are certified to teach safety, fundamentals, and
responsible use, not sales or gunsmithing.
2. Which NRA rule is considered the most important rule of firearm
safety?
A. Keep firearms clean
B. Store firearms unloaded
, C. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
D. Wear hearing protection
Answer: C
Rationale: Muzzle control is the foundational rule that prevents injuries
regardless of other factors.
3. In NRA terminology, a “safe direction” means
A. Toward the ground only
B. Toward a backstop
C. Away from people and property
D. A direction where an unintentional discharge would not cause
injury or damage
Answer: D
Rationale: Safe direction is defined by outcome, not a single physical
orientation.
4. Before handing a shotgun to another person, the instructor should
A. Engage the safety
B. Check the chamber only
C. Open the action and verify the shotgun is unloaded
D. Remove the trigger group
,Answer: C
Rationale: Visually and physically confirming an unloaded condition is
essential.
5. The purpose of a shotgun safety mechanism is to
A. Prevent all accidents
B. Replace safe handling
C. Improve accuracy
D. Provide a mechanical device that reduces the chance of discharge
Answer: D
Rationale: Safeties are mechanical aids and do not replace safe handling
practices.
6. An NRA Shotgun Instructor must emphasize that eye and ear
protection
A. Is optional for experienced shooters
B. Is required only indoors
C. Should be worn by everyone on the range
D. Is needed only for students
Answer: C
Rationale: Universal protection sets the standard for safe training
environments.
, 7. Which of the following is a common shotgun action type?
A. Bolt-action only
B. Lever-action only
C. Pump-action
D. Revolver-action
Answer: C
Rationale: Pump-action shotguns are one of the most common designs.
8. The gauge of a shotgun refers to
A. Barrel length
B. Chamber pressure
C. The bore size based on a lead-ball measurement system
D. The weight of the shotgun
Answer: C
Rationale: Gauge is a traditional measurement related to bore diameter.
9. Which gauge is commonly used for training and sporting purposes?
A. 10 gauge
B. 12 gauge
C. 4 gauge
D. 2 gauge
