NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Exam V1 (NEW 2026 Update) – NRA –
Complete Exam Questions & Verified Answers Study Guide
Introduction:
This document contains verified questions and answers for the NRA
Basic Pistol Shooting Exam V1 (2026 update). It covers firearm
safety rules, pistol components, ammunition knowledge, shooting
fundamentals, revolver and semi-automatic pistol operation,
maintenance procedures, and range safety concepts. The material
also includes true/false questions, terminology definitions, and
detailed explanations of shooting techniques and pistol functions. It
is designed as a complete exam preparation and review resource for
students preparing for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting certification.
Exam Questions and Answers
A squib load develops less than normal pressure or velocity after
ignition of the cartridge powder charge. --- correct precise answer
---True
A gun that is properly maintained will function more reliably, shoot
more accurately and last longer. --- correct precise answer ---True
ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. --- correct
precise answer ---True
,The safety on a pistol is a mechanical device that can fail. ---
correct precise answer ---True
Pistols should be stored so that they are not accessible to
unauthorized persons. --- correct precise answer ---True
A misfire is a perceptible delay in the ignition of a cartridge after
the primer has been struck by the firing pin. --- correct precise
answer ---False
Most pistol cartridges can be fired from any handgun. --- correct
precise answer ---False
Both ear and eye protection are highly recommended whenever you
are firing live ammunition. --- correct precise answer ---True
Cartridges loaded to lower pressures than standard ammunition are
known as "+P" cartridges. --- correct precise answer ---False
You should always bury unserviceable ammunition. --- correct
precise answer ---False
You should always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to
shoot --- correct precise answer ---True
, Grip consistency is essential for accurate shooting. --- correct
precise answer ---True
Ammunition should not be present when cleaning a pistol. ---
correct precise answer ---True
The single most important selection criterion revolves around the
purpose of the firearm. --- correct precise answer ---True
Your breath should be let out slowly and steadily until the shot is
fired. --- correct precise answer ---False
Your non-dominant eye should be used for aiming the pistol. ---
correct precise answer ---False
You should always keep your gun unloaded until you are ready to
use it. --- correct precise answer ---True
Pistols that are fired regularly do not need to be cleaned. --- correct
precise answer ---False
Aiming consists of two stages: sight alignment and sight picture. ---
correct precise answer ---True
Complete Exam Questions & Verified Answers Study Guide
Introduction:
This document contains verified questions and answers for the NRA
Basic Pistol Shooting Exam V1 (2026 update). It covers firearm
safety rules, pistol components, ammunition knowledge, shooting
fundamentals, revolver and semi-automatic pistol operation,
maintenance procedures, and range safety concepts. The material
also includes true/false questions, terminology definitions, and
detailed explanations of shooting techniques and pistol functions. It
is designed as a complete exam preparation and review resource for
students preparing for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting certification.
Exam Questions and Answers
A squib load develops less than normal pressure or velocity after
ignition of the cartridge powder charge. --- correct precise answer
---True
A gun that is properly maintained will function more reliably, shoot
more accurately and last longer. --- correct precise answer ---True
ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. --- correct
precise answer ---True
,The safety on a pistol is a mechanical device that can fail. ---
correct precise answer ---True
Pistols should be stored so that they are not accessible to
unauthorized persons. --- correct precise answer ---True
A misfire is a perceptible delay in the ignition of a cartridge after
the primer has been struck by the firing pin. --- correct precise
answer ---False
Most pistol cartridges can be fired from any handgun. --- correct
precise answer ---False
Both ear and eye protection are highly recommended whenever you
are firing live ammunition. --- correct precise answer ---True
Cartridges loaded to lower pressures than standard ammunition are
known as "+P" cartridges. --- correct precise answer ---False
You should always bury unserviceable ammunition. --- correct
precise answer ---False
You should always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to
shoot --- correct precise answer ---True
, Grip consistency is essential for accurate shooting. --- correct
precise answer ---True
Ammunition should not be present when cleaning a pistol. ---
correct precise answer ---True
The single most important selection criterion revolves around the
purpose of the firearm. --- correct precise answer ---True
Your breath should be let out slowly and steadily until the shot is
fired. --- correct precise answer ---False
Your non-dominant eye should be used for aiming the pistol. ---
correct precise answer ---False
You should always keep your gun unloaded until you are ready to
use it. --- correct precise answer ---True
Pistols that are fired regularly do not need to be cleaned. --- correct
precise answer ---False
Aiming consists of two stages: sight alignment and sight picture. ---
correct precise answer ---True
