NRA Test | Expert Strategies, Review of (160+)
Key Practice Questions and Verified Detailed
Answers; for Guaranteed Success
This NRA 166 Questions & Answers exam is a study guide for the NRA Certified
Instructor written exam. It covers fundamental firearms knowledge, instructional methods, and
shooting disciplines to properly manage training courses.
To help you study, the exam tests your knowledge across these core categories:
• Basic Firearm Knowledge: Identifying the main types of actions, safeties, and
mechanical components of handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
• Ammunition & Ballistics: Differentiating between rimfire and centerfire cartridges,
identifying bullet components, and understanding how a cartridge functions.
• Firearm & Range Safety: Comprehending the primary rules of safe gun handling,
range commands, and specific protocol violations.
• Shooting Fundamentals: Explaining the core elements of shooting (breath control,
trigger control, sight alignment, and grip).
• NRA Training Policies: Standard operating procedures, legal responsibilities of an
instructor, and lesson plan management.
1
,Q1. Which trigger-discipline rule is a fundamental NRA rule for safe gun
handling? [Multiple Choice]
A) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
B) Keep your finger on the trigger while carrying for quick response
C) Rest your finger inside the trigger guard but off the trigger
D) Always point your finger at the target while carrying
Answer: Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
Explanation: Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire is a fundamental rule
of safe gun handling because it prevents accidental discharges caused by unintentional pressure
on the trigger. The other options are unsafe or misleading: keeping your finger on the trigger
while carrying increases the chance of an accidental shot; resting a finger on the trigger guard is
ambiguous and can still allow contact with the trigger; pointing your finger at the target violates
basic muzzle and trigger safety because it combines poor finger control with unsafe muzzle
discipline.
Q2. How much time is allocated per record shot in BB gun competition? [Multiple
Choice]
A) One minute per record shot
B) Thirty seconds per record shot
C) Ninety seconds per record shot
D) Two minutes per record shot
Answer: One minute per record shot
Explanation: Allowing one minute per record shot standardizes timing and gives competitors a
consistent window to prepare and fire each official shot. The other time amounts (30 seconds, 90
seconds, two minutes) do not match the specified limit and would either rush shooters or give
2
, them extra time beyond the rule. Timing rules are important to preserve fairness and the
intended rhythm of competition.
Q3. Explain how the rule allowing petition for a special position or modified
equipment supports competitors with physical handicaps. [Short Answer]
Answer: The rule lets a competitor with a physical handicap request permission to use a
special shooting position or modified equipment, enabling them to participate while the
NRA Protest committee reviews and authorizes accommodations to keep competition
fair.
Explanation: By providing a formal petition process, the rules balance accessibility and fairness:
shooters who cannot use standard positions or need equipment changes can seek approved
accommodations, ensuring they can compete without giving an unfair advantage or
compromising safety.
Q4. According to NRA guidance in the text, what protective equipment should
be used when using or storing a gun? [Multiple Choice]
A) Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate
B) Always keep the gun unloaded when stored
C) Lock the gun in a safe when not in use
D) Wear only eye protection but not ear protection
Answer: Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate
Explanation: Wearing eye and ear protection reduces the risk of hearing damage and eye injury
from noise, debris, or malfunctions while using or handling firearms. The other choices are either
unrelated or incomplete: keeping a gun unloaded when storing is a good rule but does not
replace protective equipment; locking a gun in a safe is a storage safety measure but not the
protective gear referenced here; wearing only eye protection omits hearing protection, which is
part of the paired safety recommendation.
3
, Q5. Is it acceptable as a safety practice to dry fire any time, anywhere? [Multiple
Choice]
A) No — dry firing any time, anywhere is not permitted
B) Yes — dry firing any time, anywhere is always permitted
C) Only outdoors is dry firing permitted
D) Dry firing is allowed only if the gun is unloaded
Answer: No — dry firing any time, anywhere is not permitted
Explanation: Dry firing can damage some firearms or create unsafe situations if done carelessly;
therefore it is not allowed 'any time, anywhere' as an unrestricted safety practice. The incorrect
options are misleading: claiming dry firing is always allowed ignores safety and equipment
limitations; saying it's allowed only outdoors or only with unloaded guns suggests conditions not
stated by the authoritative rule here; the correct stance is that unrestricted dry firing is not
permitted, implying restrictions or caution are required.
Q6. A safety practice in addition to the NRA rules allows dry firing any time,
anywhere. [True/False]
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Dry firing can be a useful practice but it must be done under controlled conditions
and according to safety rules. Saying it is allowed "any time, anywhere" ignores context and
safety controls; proper dry-fire practice requires a safe, designated area and adherence to range
or match procedures to avoid unsafe handling or confusion with live firing.
Q7. Explain how the sling is used to steady the rifle according to the rules. [Short
Answer]
4
Key Practice Questions and Verified Detailed
Answers; for Guaranteed Success
This NRA 166 Questions & Answers exam is a study guide for the NRA Certified
Instructor written exam. It covers fundamental firearms knowledge, instructional methods, and
shooting disciplines to properly manage training courses.
To help you study, the exam tests your knowledge across these core categories:
• Basic Firearm Knowledge: Identifying the main types of actions, safeties, and
mechanical components of handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
• Ammunition & Ballistics: Differentiating between rimfire and centerfire cartridges,
identifying bullet components, and understanding how a cartridge functions.
• Firearm & Range Safety: Comprehending the primary rules of safe gun handling,
range commands, and specific protocol violations.
• Shooting Fundamentals: Explaining the core elements of shooting (breath control,
trigger control, sight alignment, and grip).
• NRA Training Policies: Standard operating procedures, legal responsibilities of an
instructor, and lesson plan management.
1
,Q1. Which trigger-discipline rule is a fundamental NRA rule for safe gun
handling? [Multiple Choice]
A) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
B) Keep your finger on the trigger while carrying for quick response
C) Rest your finger inside the trigger guard but off the trigger
D) Always point your finger at the target while carrying
Answer: Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
Explanation: Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire is a fundamental rule
of safe gun handling because it prevents accidental discharges caused by unintentional pressure
on the trigger. The other options are unsafe or misleading: keeping your finger on the trigger
while carrying increases the chance of an accidental shot; resting a finger on the trigger guard is
ambiguous and can still allow contact with the trigger; pointing your finger at the target violates
basic muzzle and trigger safety because it combines poor finger control with unsafe muzzle
discipline.
Q2. How much time is allocated per record shot in BB gun competition? [Multiple
Choice]
A) One minute per record shot
B) Thirty seconds per record shot
C) Ninety seconds per record shot
D) Two minutes per record shot
Answer: One minute per record shot
Explanation: Allowing one minute per record shot standardizes timing and gives competitors a
consistent window to prepare and fire each official shot. The other time amounts (30 seconds, 90
seconds, two minutes) do not match the specified limit and would either rush shooters or give
2
, them extra time beyond the rule. Timing rules are important to preserve fairness and the
intended rhythm of competition.
Q3. Explain how the rule allowing petition for a special position or modified
equipment supports competitors with physical handicaps. [Short Answer]
Answer: The rule lets a competitor with a physical handicap request permission to use a
special shooting position or modified equipment, enabling them to participate while the
NRA Protest committee reviews and authorizes accommodations to keep competition
fair.
Explanation: By providing a formal petition process, the rules balance accessibility and fairness:
shooters who cannot use standard positions or need equipment changes can seek approved
accommodations, ensuring they can compete without giving an unfair advantage or
compromising safety.
Q4. According to NRA guidance in the text, what protective equipment should
be used when using or storing a gun? [Multiple Choice]
A) Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate
B) Always keep the gun unloaded when stored
C) Lock the gun in a safe when not in use
D) Wear only eye protection but not ear protection
Answer: Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate
Explanation: Wearing eye and ear protection reduces the risk of hearing damage and eye injury
from noise, debris, or malfunctions while using or handling firearms. The other choices are either
unrelated or incomplete: keeping a gun unloaded when storing is a good rule but does not
replace protective equipment; locking a gun in a safe is a storage safety measure but not the
protective gear referenced here; wearing only eye protection omits hearing protection, which is
part of the paired safety recommendation.
3
, Q5. Is it acceptable as a safety practice to dry fire any time, anywhere? [Multiple
Choice]
A) No — dry firing any time, anywhere is not permitted
B) Yes — dry firing any time, anywhere is always permitted
C) Only outdoors is dry firing permitted
D) Dry firing is allowed only if the gun is unloaded
Answer: No — dry firing any time, anywhere is not permitted
Explanation: Dry firing can damage some firearms or create unsafe situations if done carelessly;
therefore it is not allowed 'any time, anywhere' as an unrestricted safety practice. The incorrect
options are misleading: claiming dry firing is always allowed ignores safety and equipment
limitations; saying it's allowed only outdoors or only with unloaded guns suggests conditions not
stated by the authoritative rule here; the correct stance is that unrestricted dry firing is not
permitted, implying restrictions or caution are required.
Q6. A safety practice in addition to the NRA rules allows dry firing any time,
anywhere. [True/False]
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Dry firing can be a useful practice but it must be done under controlled conditions
and according to safety rules. Saying it is allowed "any time, anywhere" ignores context and
safety controls; proper dry-fire practice requires a safe, designated area and adherence to range
or match procedures to avoid unsafe handling or confusion with live firing.
Q7. Explain how the sling is used to steady the rifle according to the rules. [Short
Answer]
4
