NRA PISTOL SHOOTING EXAM 50 QUESTIONS &
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST 2026/2027
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
, 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
This occurs when a cartridge fails to fire after the primer has been struct by the
firing pin - ANSWER-What is a misfire
This is the 'safety' - ANSWER-What is a mechanical device that can fail
CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST 2026/2027
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
, 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
This occurs when a cartridge fails to fire after the primer has been struct by the
firing pin - ANSWER-What is a misfire
This is the 'safety' - ANSWER-What is a mechanical device that can fail
