Page 1 of 101
NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course Exam COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
1. Firearm Safety Fundamentals
• NRA 3 Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety
• Safe direction and trigger discipline
• Treating every firearm as loaded
• Muzzle awareness at all times
2. Shotgun Operation Basics
• Parts of a shotgun (barrel, action, stock, trigger group)
• Pump-action, semi-automatic, break-action systems
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Action types and cycling
3. Ammunition Knowledge
• Shot shell components (hull, primer, powder, wad, shot)
• Gauge vs caliber differences
• Shot sizes and uses (birdshot, buckshot, slug)
• Safe ammunition handling
4. Shooting Fundamentals
• Stance, grip, mount, and cheek weld
• Eye dominance and sight alignment
• Swing-through and sustained lead techniques
• Follow-through principles
5. Range Safety & Procedures
• Range commands and obedience
• Safe firing line behavior
• Misfire and malfunction procedures
• Ceasefire protocols
6. Cleaning & Maintenance
• Field stripping basics
• Cleaning barrel and action
• Lubrication points
• Safe storage practices
7. Shooting Applications
• Target shooting fundamentals
• Clay target shooting basics (trap, skeet, sporting clays)
• Patterning a shotgun
• Understanding spread and distance
, Page 2 of 101
1.
A shooter picks up a shotgun at the range; what is the first and most important safety action before
handling it?
A. Load ammunition
B. Point it in a safe direction and check chamber
C. Pull trigger slightly
D. Close eyes and shoulder firearm
Answer: B
Rationale: Always ensure safe direction and verify chamber status before handling any firearm.
2.
Which rule best describes treating every firearm as if it is loaded at all times?
A. Mechanical rule
B. NRA fundamental safety rule
C. Optional guideline
D. Shooting preference
, Page 3 of 101
Answer: B
3.
What is the primary purpose of a shotgun’s barrel?
A. Store ammunition
B. Direct the shot toward the target
C. Increase trigger speed
D. Reduce recoil only
Answer: B
4.
A shooter experiences a failure to fire after pulling the trigger; what is the safest immediate action?
A. Look down barrel
B. Keep firearm pointed safely and wait before unloading
C. Reload immediately
D. Shake firearm
Answer: B
, Page 4 of 101
5.
Which shotgun action requires manual pumping to eject and load shells?
A. Bolt action
B. Pump-action
C. Break-action
D. Revolver action
Answer: B
6.
What is the main purpose of a shotgun wad inside a shell?
A. Increase recoil
B. Separate shot from powder and improve pattern
C. Light the primer
D. Reduce barrel length
Answer: B
NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course Exam COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
1. Firearm Safety Fundamentals
• NRA 3 Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety
• Safe direction and trigger discipline
• Treating every firearm as loaded
• Muzzle awareness at all times
2. Shotgun Operation Basics
• Parts of a shotgun (barrel, action, stock, trigger group)
• Pump-action, semi-automatic, break-action systems
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Action types and cycling
3. Ammunition Knowledge
• Shot shell components (hull, primer, powder, wad, shot)
• Gauge vs caliber differences
• Shot sizes and uses (birdshot, buckshot, slug)
• Safe ammunition handling
4. Shooting Fundamentals
• Stance, grip, mount, and cheek weld
• Eye dominance and sight alignment
• Swing-through and sustained lead techniques
• Follow-through principles
5. Range Safety & Procedures
• Range commands and obedience
• Safe firing line behavior
• Misfire and malfunction procedures
• Ceasefire protocols
6. Cleaning & Maintenance
• Field stripping basics
• Cleaning barrel and action
• Lubrication points
• Safe storage practices
7. Shooting Applications
• Target shooting fundamentals
• Clay target shooting basics (trap, skeet, sporting clays)
• Patterning a shotgun
• Understanding spread and distance
, Page 2 of 101
1.
A shooter picks up a shotgun at the range; what is the first and most important safety action before
handling it?
A. Load ammunition
B. Point it in a safe direction and check chamber
C. Pull trigger slightly
D. Close eyes and shoulder firearm
Answer: B
Rationale: Always ensure safe direction and verify chamber status before handling any firearm.
2.
Which rule best describes treating every firearm as if it is loaded at all times?
A. Mechanical rule
B. NRA fundamental safety rule
C. Optional guideline
D. Shooting preference
, Page 3 of 101
Answer: B
3.
What is the primary purpose of a shotgun’s barrel?
A. Store ammunition
B. Direct the shot toward the target
C. Increase trigger speed
D. Reduce recoil only
Answer: B
4.
A shooter experiences a failure to fire after pulling the trigger; what is the safest immediate action?
A. Look down barrel
B. Keep firearm pointed safely and wait before unloading
C. Reload immediately
D. Shake firearm
Answer: B
, Page 4 of 101
5.
Which shotgun action requires manual pumping to eject and load shells?
A. Bolt action
B. Pump-action
C. Break-action
D. Revolver action
Answer: B
6.
What is the main purpose of a shotgun wad inside a shell?
A. Increase recoil
B. Separate shot from powder and improve pattern
C. Light the primer
D. Reduce barrel length
Answer: B
