NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Exam
Questions and Answers 2026 Update
• The three major components of a pistol are: -✓✓frame, barrel and action
• Your finger may contact the trigger: -✓✓when you are ready to shoot
• The trigger mechanism: -✓✓releases a spring-powered hammer or striker to fire
the cartridge.
• Aiming consists of: -✓✓sight alignment and sight picture.
• When aiming a pistol, the eye can only focus on one object at a time; therefore,
you should focus on the (BLANK) so that it appears clear and sharp. -✓✓front
sight
• To ensure you use the correct ammunition for your gun: -✓✓a. check the
information stamped on the barrel and/or slide.
b. check your owner's manual.
c. check the cartridge box and cartridge headstamp.
d. all of the above.
• When a cartridge fails to fire immediately, you should: -✓✓keep the pistol
pointed in a safe direction and, after waiting at least 30 seconds (as a precaution in
case of a hangfire), open the action and remove the cartridge.
• When gripping the pistol, you should: -✓✓use the same grip each time that you
hold the pistol.
• Follow-through is important because: -✓✓it integrates, maintains and continues
all shooting fundamentals before, during and immediately after firing the shot.
• The frame of a pistol is: -✓✓is the central component of most pistols.
• The four components of a pistol cartridge are: -✓✓case, primer, powder charge
and bullet.
Questions and Answers 2026 Update
• The three major components of a pistol are: -✓✓frame, barrel and action
• Your finger may contact the trigger: -✓✓when you are ready to shoot
• The trigger mechanism: -✓✓releases a spring-powered hammer or striker to fire
the cartridge.
• Aiming consists of: -✓✓sight alignment and sight picture.
• When aiming a pistol, the eye can only focus on one object at a time; therefore,
you should focus on the (BLANK) so that it appears clear and sharp. -✓✓front
sight
• To ensure you use the correct ammunition for your gun: -✓✓a. check the
information stamped on the barrel and/or slide.
b. check your owner's manual.
c. check the cartridge box and cartridge headstamp.
d. all of the above.
• When a cartridge fails to fire immediately, you should: -✓✓keep the pistol
pointed in a safe direction and, after waiting at least 30 seconds (as a precaution in
case of a hangfire), open the action and remove the cartridge.
• When gripping the pistol, you should: -✓✓use the same grip each time that you
hold the pistol.
• Follow-through is important because: -✓✓it integrates, maintains and continues
all shooting fundamentals before, during and immediately after firing the shot.
• The frame of a pistol is: -✓✓is the central component of most pistols.
• The four components of a pistol cartridge are: -✓✓case, primer, powder charge
and bullet.
