NRA BASIC PISTOL SHOOTING COURSE
VERIFED ANSWERS
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Comprehensive Exam 200
Questions And Correct Detailed Answers
1. When considering the fundamental safety rules of firearms handling,
what is the primary directiveregarding the orientation of the pistol's
muzzle at all times, regardless of whether the firearm is loaded or
unloaded?
·A.The muzzle should always be pointed toward the ground to
prevent accidental injury to bystanders.
· B.Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction,ensuring
that even if it were to discharge, it would not cause injury or
damage.
·C.The muzzle should be pointed upward at a 45-degree angle to
ensure any accidental discharge travels away from people.
·D.The muzzle should always be pointed toward the
target,even when not on the firing line.
· Rationale: The "Safe Direction2" rule is the most fundamental
safety principle; a safe direction means that the firearm is
pointed so that even ifit were to go off,it would not cause injury
or damage.
2. During the operation of a semi-automatic pistol, which specific
component is responsible for gripping the rim of the cartridge case to
pull it out of the chamber after the round has been fired?
·A.The firing pin
·B.The ejector
·C.The extractor
·D.The slide stop
, ·Rationale: The extractor is a spring-loaded claw that grips the rim
of the cartridge to pull it from the chamber; the ejector then hits
the case to push it out of the firearm.
3. Which of the following best describes the "Double Action Only"(DAO)
trigger mechanism found on many modern defensive pistols and
revolvers?
· B. Every pull of the trigger both cocks the hammer or striker
and releases it to fire the weapon.
· A.The trigger can only be pulled once the hammer has been
manually cocked by the shooter's thumb.
·C.The first trigger pull is long and heavy, while subsequent pulls
are short and light.
·D.The trigger mechanism requires two distinct pulls tofire a single
round as a safety feature.
· Rationale:In Double Action Only systems, the trigger performs
two functions (cocking and releasing) with every single pull,
providing a consistent trigger weight for every shot.
4. When examining a round of ammunition, what is the specific term used
to describe the component that contains the chemical compound which,
when struck by the firing pin, ignites the main powder charge?
·A.The casing
· B.The primer
· C.The propellant
·D.The projectile
· Rationale: The primer is the small cap at the base of the
cartridge containing a sensitive explosive mixture that initiates
the firing sequence.
5. In the context of the NRA's "Rules for Using and Storing a Gun,"which
of the following is considered a mandatory requirement before cleaning
or performing maintenance on a pistol?
· A.Ensure you have the manufacturer's manual present on the
workbench.
, · B.Wear eye protection but ear protection is optional during
cleaning.
· C.Personally verify that the firearm is completely unloaded
and that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.
· D.Apply a heavy coat of oil to the exterior of the slide before
opening the action.
· Rationale:Safety during maintenance requires double-
checking that the gun is empty and removing all live
ammunition from the workspace to prevent accidental
loading.
6. What is the recommended procedure if you experience a "squib
load," which is characterized by a noticeably reduced report and
recoil when the trigger is pulled?
· A. Immediately pull the trigger again to clear the obstruction
with a second bullet.
·B.Cycle the action quickly and continue your course of fire.
· C.Stop shooting immediately, keep the gun pointed in a safe
direction, and wait before clearing the action to inspect the
barrel for an obstruction.
· D.Tap the bottom of the magazine and rack the slide to
ensure the next round is seated.
·Rationale:A squib load occurs when a bullet becomes lodged in
the barrel; firing a subsequent round behind an obstruction can
cause the barrel to burst,leading to catastrophic failure and
injury.
7. Which of the following grip techniques is most effective for
controlling the recoil of a semi-automatic pistol during rapid
successive shots?
· A.Using only the strong hand to allow the weak hand to
remain free for balance.
· B.Placing the weak-hand thumb directly behind the slide to
provide downward pressure.
, · C.A two-handed grip where the support hand wraps around
the strong hand, providing 360-degree coverage and firm
pressure.
·D.Crossing the thumbs behind the hammer to ensure the grip
is as high as possible.
· Rationale: A proper two-handed grip increases stability and
allows the shooter to manage recoil forces more effectively,
returning the sights to the target faster.
8. When using "Iron Sights," what is the correct relationship between
the front sight, the rear sight, and the shooter's eye,commonly referred
to as "Sight Alignment"?
·A.The front sight should be slightly higher than the rear sight
to compensate for bullet drop.
· B.The top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear
sight, and there is equal light (space) on both sides of the
front sight post.
· C.The front sight should be centered in the rear notch while
focusing your eye intently on the target.
·D.The rear sight should be crystal clear while the front sight and
target remain blurry.
· Rationale: Sight alignment is the relationship between the front
and rear sights; the "level top, equal light" rule is the standard for
accuracy.
9. Which part of the finger should ideally be placed on thetrigger of a
pistol to ensure a smooth, rearward press without disturbing the
alignment of the sights?
·A.The first joint (crease) of the index finger.
· B.The tip of the finger, using only the fingernail for
precision.
· C. The center of the distal phalanx (the "pad" of the first
segment) of the index finger.
· D.The side of the finger to allow for more leverage on heavy
triggers.
VERIFED ANSWERS
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Comprehensive Exam 200
Questions And Correct Detailed Answers
1. When considering the fundamental safety rules of firearms handling,
what is the primary directiveregarding the orientation of the pistol's
muzzle at all times, regardless of whether the firearm is loaded or
unloaded?
·A.The muzzle should always be pointed toward the ground to
prevent accidental injury to bystanders.
· B.Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction,ensuring
that even if it were to discharge, it would not cause injury or
damage.
·C.The muzzle should be pointed upward at a 45-degree angle to
ensure any accidental discharge travels away from people.
·D.The muzzle should always be pointed toward the
target,even when not on the firing line.
· Rationale: The "Safe Direction2" rule is the most fundamental
safety principle; a safe direction means that the firearm is
pointed so that even ifit were to go off,it would not cause injury
or damage.
2. During the operation of a semi-automatic pistol, which specific
component is responsible for gripping the rim of the cartridge case to
pull it out of the chamber after the round has been fired?
·A.The firing pin
·B.The ejector
·C.The extractor
·D.The slide stop
, ·Rationale: The extractor is a spring-loaded claw that grips the rim
of the cartridge to pull it from the chamber; the ejector then hits
the case to push it out of the firearm.
3. Which of the following best describes the "Double Action Only"(DAO)
trigger mechanism found on many modern defensive pistols and
revolvers?
· B. Every pull of the trigger both cocks the hammer or striker
and releases it to fire the weapon.
· A.The trigger can only be pulled once the hammer has been
manually cocked by the shooter's thumb.
·C.The first trigger pull is long and heavy, while subsequent pulls
are short and light.
·D.The trigger mechanism requires two distinct pulls tofire a single
round as a safety feature.
· Rationale:In Double Action Only systems, the trigger performs
two functions (cocking and releasing) with every single pull,
providing a consistent trigger weight for every shot.
4. When examining a round of ammunition, what is the specific term used
to describe the component that contains the chemical compound which,
when struck by the firing pin, ignites the main powder charge?
·A.The casing
· B.The primer
· C.The propellant
·D.The projectile
· Rationale: The primer is the small cap at the base of the
cartridge containing a sensitive explosive mixture that initiates
the firing sequence.
5. In the context of the NRA's "Rules for Using and Storing a Gun,"which
of the following is considered a mandatory requirement before cleaning
or performing maintenance on a pistol?
· A.Ensure you have the manufacturer's manual present on the
workbench.
, · B.Wear eye protection but ear protection is optional during
cleaning.
· C.Personally verify that the firearm is completely unloaded
and that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.
· D.Apply a heavy coat of oil to the exterior of the slide before
opening the action.
· Rationale:Safety during maintenance requires double-
checking that the gun is empty and removing all live
ammunition from the workspace to prevent accidental
loading.
6. What is the recommended procedure if you experience a "squib
load," which is characterized by a noticeably reduced report and
recoil when the trigger is pulled?
· A. Immediately pull the trigger again to clear the obstruction
with a second bullet.
·B.Cycle the action quickly and continue your course of fire.
· C.Stop shooting immediately, keep the gun pointed in a safe
direction, and wait before clearing the action to inspect the
barrel for an obstruction.
· D.Tap the bottom of the magazine and rack the slide to
ensure the next round is seated.
·Rationale:A squib load occurs when a bullet becomes lodged in
the barrel; firing a subsequent round behind an obstruction can
cause the barrel to burst,leading to catastrophic failure and
injury.
7. Which of the following grip techniques is most effective for
controlling the recoil of a semi-automatic pistol during rapid
successive shots?
· A.Using only the strong hand to allow the weak hand to
remain free for balance.
· B.Placing the weak-hand thumb directly behind the slide to
provide downward pressure.
, · C.A two-handed grip where the support hand wraps around
the strong hand, providing 360-degree coverage and firm
pressure.
·D.Crossing the thumbs behind the hammer to ensure the grip
is as high as possible.
· Rationale: A proper two-handed grip increases stability and
allows the shooter to manage recoil forces more effectively,
returning the sights to the target faster.
8. When using "Iron Sights," what is the correct relationship between
the front sight, the rear sight, and the shooter's eye,commonly referred
to as "Sight Alignment"?
·A.The front sight should be slightly higher than the rear sight
to compensate for bullet drop.
· B.The top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear
sight, and there is equal light (space) on both sides of the
front sight post.
· C.The front sight should be centered in the rear notch while
focusing your eye intently on the target.
·D.The rear sight should be crystal clear while the front sight and
target remain blurry.
· Rationale: Sight alignment is the relationship between the front
and rear sights; the "level top, equal light" rule is the standard for
accuracy.
9. Which part of the finger should ideally be placed on thetrigger of a
pistol to ensure a smooth, rearward press without disturbing the
alignment of the sights?
·A.The first joint (crease) of the index finger.
· B.The tip of the finger, using only the fingernail for
precision.
· C. The center of the distal phalanx (the "pad" of the first
segment) of the index finger.
· D.The side of the finger to allow for more leverage on heavy
triggers.
