Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Pistols And Pistol Ammo?

by
posted on September 21, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
pistolquiz1.jpg

How much do you know—or think you know—about handguns and handgun ammunition?  Take our 10-question quiz to find out. We’ll start with a few easier questions and get tougher as we go. The answers are at the end of the quiz but don’t peek ahead, we’ll know!

1.  Modern handguns can be used for?

a.  Self-defense
b.  Recreational/competitive shooting
c.  Hunting
d.  All of the above

 

2.  Centerfire handgun cartridges have how many parts?

a.  Three
b.  Four
c.  Five
d.  Six

 

3.  True or false: revolvers are fired either single-action or double-action?

a.  True
b.  False

 

4.  True or false: semi-automatic handguns are either hammer-fired or striker-fired?

a.  True
b.  False

 

5.  In the popular .45 ACP handgun cartridge, what does ACP stand for?

a.  Ammunition Custom Products
b.  American Colt Pistol
c.  Automatic Colt Pistol
d.  None of the above

 

6.  The classic 1911-style semi-automatic handgun was introduced in the year 1911 by what American gun maker?

a.  Smith & Wesson
b.  Remington
c.  Colt
d.  Winchester

 

7.  True or false: Glock semi-automatic handguns can be safely carried with their manual safety either engaged or disengaged?

a.  True
b.  False

 

8.  True or false: the caliber of a handgun is measured either in thousandths of an inch, or in millimeters?

a.  True
b.  False

 

9.  The historic Derringer handgun was of what size?

a.  Small
b.  Medium
c.  Large
d.  Magnum

 

10.  The best way to become a good handgun shooter is to?

a.  Take a solid stance
b.  Get a firm grip
c.  Concentrate on the front sight
d.  Maintain a smoother trigger pull and follow through
e.  All of the above

Answers:

  1. d, All of the above
  2. b, Four (case, powder, primer, bullet)
  3. a, True
  4. a, True
  5. c, Automatic Colt Pistol
  6. c, Colt
  7. b, False (Trick question! Like many handguns, Glocks have no manual safety, so be sure to remember this whenever you handle one!
  8. a, True (Handgun caliber measured in thousandths of an inch is the American method of calculating caliber; measuring in millimeters is the European method.)
  9. a, Small (The original Derringer was a single-shot, muzzleloading percussion-cap pistol introduced in 1852 by Henry Deringer)
  10. e, All of the above (and practice, practice, practice!)

 

Score Card:

Well, how did you do?

  • One to five answers correct: keep shooting.
  • Six to eight answers correct: well done.
  • Nine or ten answers correct: You’re a handgunner!

Did you enjoy the pistol quiz? Below are two more that you might like to try:

Latest

357Mag Handloading 1 Title
357Mag Handloading 1 Title

How to Duplicate .357 Magnum Factory Ballistics with Handloads

Extensive testing shows which powders and charge weights allow .357 Mag. handloads to reach factory velocities without exceeding published pressure limits.

New: Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 10 mm M2.0 Carry Comp

Smith & Wesson’s latest Performance Center pistol blends ported recoil control, optics compatibility and 10 mm power into a carry‑ready, shooter‑focused design.

Federal Unveils New All-American Target Loads Aimed at Trap and Skeet Shooters

Federal expands its All-American target loads for 2026, adding refined 12- and 20-gauge options aimed squarely at serious trap and skeet shooters.

Review: Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1 Riflescope

An in-depth review of the Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1, highlighting its rugged build, Mil-XT reticle, premium glass and performance in competition and long-range shooting.

Defining NRA Championship Moments: 1987 National Matches

Tight finishes and standout performances defined the 1987 National Matches, as nearly 5,000 competitors tested skill and endurance at Camp Perry.

Range USA: Redefining the Indoor Gun Range Experience

In 2025, Range USA opened its 50th location in Chester, Va., showing how a customer-first approach turned a single indoor gun range into a nationwide phenomenon.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.