Core Concepts and Principles Flashcards

What is the main purpose of the ball-and-dummy drill?

Answer: To reveal and correct flinching or anticipation of recoil

Mixing unseen dummy rounds with live rounds exposes a flinch when the gun fails to fire.

When a student is handed a handgun, what should be their first action?

Answer: Point it in a safe direction, keep the finger off the trigger, and open the action to check whether it is loaded

Every handler should personally verify the condition of a firearm while keeping it pointed safely.

A semi-automatic pistol clicks but does not fire. Which immediate action is commonly taught after waiting for safety?

Answer: Tap the magazine to seat it, rack the slide, and reassess

Tap-rack seats the magazine and chambers a fresh round to clear a failure to fire.

What is a stovepipe malfunction?

Answer: A spent case caught upright in the ejection port by the slide

A stovepipe is a failure to eject in which the case sticks vertically out of the ejection port.

Which practice is essential before beginning dry-fire practice?

Answer: Remove all ammunition from the practice area and use a safe backstop

Dry fire must be done with no ammunition present and the muzzle on a backstop that could stop a bullet.

In the isosceles shooting stance, how are the arms positioned?

Answer: Both arms extended equally, forming a triangle with the chest

The isosceles stance gets its name from the triangle formed by both arms extended equally.

Where should the trigger finger rest until the sights are on target and the shooter has decided to fire?

Answer: Straight along the frame, outside the trigger guard

Indexing the finger along the frame outside the guard prevents unintentional discharges.