1
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Exam V1 (NEW 2025/
2026 Update) Questions & Answers| Grade A|
100% Correct (Verified Solutions)
SECTION 1: FIREARM SAFETY RULES
1. The first and most important rule of firearm safety is to always keep the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction.
Answer: True
2. Treat every firearm as if it were unloaded at all times.
Answer: False (Treat every firearm as if it were loaded)
3. You should keep your finger on the trigger until you have acquired your target
and are ready to shoot.
Answer: False (Keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot)
4. It is safe to rely on a pistol’s mechanical safety instead of following the basic
safety rules.
Answer: False
5. Before handling any pistol, you should visually and physically check that the
chamber is clear.
Answer: True
6. A pistol’s safety lever should be used as a substitute for safe muzzle direction.
Answer: False
7. When handing a pistol to another person, you should first open the action and
verify it is unloaded.
Answer: True
8. Dry firing a pistol is always harmful and should never be practiced.
Answer: False (Dry firing is safe for many modern pistols but check
manufacturer; used for practice)
, 2
9. Knowing your target and what is beyond it is one of the NRA’s fundamental
safety rules.
Answer: True
10. A loaded pistol left on a table unattended is safe if the safety is engaged.
Answer: False
11. Alcohol and firearms are a safe combination as long as you are careful.
Answer: False
12. When using a holster, the trigger guard should be completely covered to
prevent accidental discharge.
Answer: True
13. While cleaning a pistol, you should always verify it is unloaded before starting.
Answer: True
14. It is acceptable to point a pistol at something you do not intend to shoot if you
know it is unloaded.
Answer: False
15. A squib load (bullet stuck in barrel) can be cleared by firing another round
behind it.
Answer: False
16. You should wear both ear and eye protection whenever shooting any pistol.
Answer: True
17. A pistol that has been dropped is still safe to shoot without inspection.
Answer: False
18. The four primary rules of firearm safety are: muzzle control, trigger finger
discipline, treat all guns as loaded, and be sure of target and beyond.
Answer: True
19. It is safe to shoot at a flat, hard surface such as rock or water to see the bullet
ricochet.
Answer: False
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Exam V1 (NEW 2025/
2026 Update) Questions & Answers| Grade A|
100% Correct (Verified Solutions)
SECTION 1: FIREARM SAFETY RULES
1. The first and most important rule of firearm safety is to always keep the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction.
Answer: True
2. Treat every firearm as if it were unloaded at all times.
Answer: False (Treat every firearm as if it were loaded)
3. You should keep your finger on the trigger until you have acquired your target
and are ready to shoot.
Answer: False (Keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot)
4. It is safe to rely on a pistol’s mechanical safety instead of following the basic
safety rules.
Answer: False
5. Before handling any pistol, you should visually and physically check that the
chamber is clear.
Answer: True
6. A pistol’s safety lever should be used as a substitute for safe muzzle direction.
Answer: False
7. When handing a pistol to another person, you should first open the action and
verify it is unloaded.
Answer: True
8. Dry firing a pistol is always harmful and should never be practiced.
Answer: False (Dry firing is safe for many modern pistols but check
manufacturer; used for practice)
, 2
9. Knowing your target and what is beyond it is one of the NRA’s fundamental
safety rules.
Answer: True
10. A loaded pistol left on a table unattended is safe if the safety is engaged.
Answer: False
11. Alcohol and firearms are a safe combination as long as you are careful.
Answer: False
12. When using a holster, the trigger guard should be completely covered to
prevent accidental discharge.
Answer: True
13. While cleaning a pistol, you should always verify it is unloaded before starting.
Answer: True
14. It is acceptable to point a pistol at something you do not intend to shoot if you
know it is unloaded.
Answer: False
15. A squib load (bullet stuck in barrel) can be cleared by firing another round
behind it.
Answer: False
16. You should wear both ear and eye protection whenever shooting any pistol.
Answer: True
17. A pistol that has been dropped is still safe to shoot without inspection.
Answer: False
18. The four primary rules of firearm safety are: muzzle control, trigger finger
discipline, treat all guns as loaded, and be sure of target and beyond.
Answer: True
19. It is safe to shoot at a flat, hard surface such as rock or water to see the bullet
ricochet.
Answer: False
