Practice Examination Questions And

Firearm Safety Instructor Certification Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary rule of firearm safety?
• Always point the firearm downrange
• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Keep the firearm unloaded at all times
• Only handle firearms when supervised

Rationale: Treating every firearm as loaded prevents negligent discharges

by ensuring consistent safe handling.

2. The safest direction to point a firearm is:

• Toward a safe target
• In a direction where an unintentional discharge would not cause injury 1 / 4

or damage

• Toward the ground only
• Away from other people

Rationale: "Safe direction" means no potential for injury or property

damage if the gun discharges.

3. The main purpose of a safety mechanism on a firearm is to:

• Replace safe handling
• Ensure the firearm cannot fire
• Provide an additional mechanical safeguard
• Allow faster reloading

Rationale: Safeties are mechanical devices that may fail; they supplement,

not replace, safe practices.

4. When teaching new shooters, the instructor should emphasize:

• Firearm model details
• Safe handling and muzzle discipline first
• Shooting accuracy
• Firearm cleaning

Rationale: Safety and control of the firearm must be mastered before

marksmanship.

• / 4

• Which of the following is NOT part of the NRA’s three rules for safe gun

handling?

• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
• Always wear ear protection
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

Rationale: Ear protection is important but not one of the three

fundamental safety rules.

6. The term “muzzle” refers to:

• The trigger guard
• The firing pin area
• The forward end of the barrel where the bullet exits
• The sight alignment area

Rationale: The muzzle is the exit point of the projectile; controlling its

direction is critical.

7. Before cleaning a firearm, always:

• Unload and check the chamber visually and physically
• Engage the safety
• Remove the magazine
• Pull the trigger to ensure it’s clear 3 / 4

Rationale: Visual and physical inspection ensures no live round remains in

the firearm.

8. The term “hang fire” describes:

• A firearm jam
• A double feed
• A delay between trigger pull and cartridge ignition
• A squib load

Rationale: Hang fire is a delayed discharge; keep the muzzle pointed safely

for several seconds.

9. The correct response to a hang fire is to:

• Immediately open the action
• Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction for at least 30 seconds
• Pull the trigger again
• Tap and rack immediately

Rationale: Delayed ignition can cause a discharge; waiting ensures safety.

10. A “squib load” occurs when:

• A bullet is lodged in the barrel due to insufficient powder charge
• The firearm misfires
• The cartridge fails to eject
• / 4