NRA PISTOL SHOOTING EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS | NEW UPDATE 2026
What are the frame, barrel, and action - (Correct Answer)-These are the three major components
of a pistol
What is the part of a revolver where cartridges are held in a circular pattern - (Correct Answer)-
This is the cylinder
What releases a spring-powered hammer or striker to fire the cartridge - (Correct Answer)-This is
the trigger mechanism
What are sight alignment and sight picture - (Correct Answer)-These are the elements or stages
of aiming
What is unique about the front sight in aiming - (Correct Answer)-Where to focus while aiming
What use is the information on the barrel or slide, the owner's manual, and the cartridge box and
headstamp - (Correct Answer)-This is how to ensure you use the correct ammunition for your
gun
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 - (Correct Answer)-This is what to do upon a
misfire or hangfire: i.e. when a cartridge fails to fire immediately
Why use the same pistol grip each time you hold the pistol - (Correct Answer)-This is a best-
practice for gripping a pistol
, 2
Why continue all shooting fundamentals before, during, and immediately after firing a shot -
(Correct Answer)-This is the reason follow-through is important
What is the central component of a pistol and made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or polymer
materials - (Correct Answer)-This is the frame of the pistol
What is made of a case, primer, powder, and bullet - (Correct Answer)-These are the components
of a pistol cartridge
What are single and double action - (Correct Answer)-These are the two types of revolver actions
What is the type of action in which pulling the trigger performs two tasks: cocking and releasing
the hammer - (Correct Answer)-To what does 'double action' refer
When to unload, remove ammunition from the area, and follow the owner's manual - (Correct
Answer)-Do this before cleaning a pistol
What is a misfire - (Correct Answer)-This occurs when a cartridge fails to fire after the primer
has been struct by the firing pin
What is a mechanical device that can fail - (Correct Answer)-This is the 'safety'
Why hold your breath during breath control - (Correct Answer)-This minimizes body movement
SOLUTIONS | NEW UPDATE 2026
What are the frame, barrel, and action - (Correct Answer)-These are the three major components
of a pistol
What is the part of a revolver where cartridges are held in a circular pattern - (Correct Answer)-
This is the cylinder
What releases a spring-powered hammer or striker to fire the cartridge - (Correct Answer)-This is
the trigger mechanism
What are sight alignment and sight picture - (Correct Answer)-These are the elements or stages
of aiming
What is unique about the front sight in aiming - (Correct Answer)-Where to focus while aiming
What use is the information on the barrel or slide, the owner's manual, and the cartridge box and
headstamp - (Correct Answer)-This is how to ensure you use the correct ammunition for your
gun
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 - (Correct Answer)-This is what to do upon a
misfire or hangfire: i.e. when a cartridge fails to fire immediately
Why use the same pistol grip each time you hold the pistol - (Correct Answer)-This is a best-
practice for gripping a pistol
, 2
Why continue all shooting fundamentals before, during, and immediately after firing a shot -
(Correct Answer)-This is the reason follow-through is important
What is the central component of a pistol and made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or polymer
materials - (Correct Answer)-This is the frame of the pistol
What is made of a case, primer, powder, and bullet - (Correct Answer)-These are the components
of a pistol cartridge
What are single and double action - (Correct Answer)-These are the two types of revolver actions
What is the type of action in which pulling the trigger performs two tasks: cocking and releasing
the hammer - (Correct Answer)-To what does 'double action' refer
When to unload, remove ammunition from the area, and follow the owner's manual - (Correct
Answer)-Do this before cleaning a pistol
What is a misfire - (Correct Answer)-This occurs when a cartridge fails to fire after the primer
has been struct by the firing pin
What is a mechanical device that can fail - (Correct Answer)-This is the 'safety'
Why hold your breath during breath control - (Correct Answer)-This minimizes body movement
