NRA BASIC PISTOL SHOOTING TEST
LATEST 2025-2026 EXAM UPDATE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This is a best-practice for gripping a pistol - Answer-Why use the same
pistol grip each time you hold the pistol
This is the reason follow-through is important - Answer-Why continue
all shooting fundamentals before, during, and immediately after firing a
shot
This is the frame of the pistol - Answer-What is the central component
of a pistol and made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or polymer materials
These are the components of a pistol cartridge - Answer-What is made
of a case, primer, powder, and bullet
These are the two types of revolver actions - Answer-What are single
and double action
To what does 'double action' refer - Answer-What is the type of action
in which pulling the trigger performs two tasks: cocking and releasing
the hammer
, Do this before cleaning a pistol - Answer-When to unload, remove
ammunition from the area, and follow the owner's manual
These are the three major components of a pistol - Answer-What are the
frame, barrel, and action
This is the cylinder - Answer-What is the part of a revolver where
cartridges are held in a circular pattern
This is the trigger mechanism - Answer-What releases a spring-powered
hammer or striker to fire the cartridge
These are the elements or stages of aiming - Answer-What are sight
alignment and sight picture
Where to focus while aiming - Answer-What is unique about the front
sight in aiming
This is how to ensure you use the correct ammunition for your gun -
Answer-What use is the information on the barrel or slide, the owner's
manual, and the cartridge box and headstamp
This is what to do upon a misfire or hangfire: i.e. when a cartridge fails
to fire immediately - Answer-Why would one keep the pistol pointed in
a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action
and removing the cartridge
LATEST 2025-2026 EXAM UPDATE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This is a best-practice for gripping a pistol - Answer-Why use the same
pistol grip each time you hold the pistol
This is the reason follow-through is important - Answer-Why continue
all shooting fundamentals before, during, and immediately after firing a
shot
This is the frame of the pistol - Answer-What is the central component
of a pistol and made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or polymer materials
These are the components of a pistol cartridge - Answer-What is made
of a case, primer, powder, and bullet
These are the two types of revolver actions - Answer-What are single
and double action
To what does 'double action' refer - Answer-What is the type of action
in which pulling the trigger performs two tasks: cocking and releasing
the hammer
, Do this before cleaning a pistol - Answer-When to unload, remove
ammunition from the area, and follow the owner's manual
These are the three major components of a pistol - Answer-What are the
frame, barrel, and action
This is the cylinder - Answer-What is the part of a revolver where
cartridges are held in a circular pattern
This is the trigger mechanism - Answer-What releases a spring-powered
hammer or striker to fire the cartridge
These are the elements or stages of aiming - Answer-What are sight
alignment and sight picture
Where to focus while aiming - Answer-What is unique about the front
sight in aiming
This is how to ensure you use the correct ammunition for your gun -
Answer-What use is the information on the barrel or slide, the owner's
manual, and the cartridge box and headstamp
This is what to do upon a misfire or hangfire: i.e. when a cartridge fails
to fire immediately - Answer-Why would one keep the pistol pointed in
a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action
and removing the cartridge
