Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

Shooting Drill: NRA Student Pistol Qualification (4-Inch Circle Accuracy Test)

Mark Schneider

The NRA Student Pistol Qualification is a foundational accuracy drill perfect for beginners, concealed carry applicants, or anyone looking to improve their marksmanship in a structured way. It’s slow-paced, fundamentals-focused, and a great way to measure real progress with your handgun skills.

Drill Overview

This qualification requires shooters to place accurate shots into small target zones across increasing distances. The test uses four 4-inch circles, and shooters must get five hits in each circle, for a total of 20 hits.

There is no time limit, and shooters may fire as many rounds as necessary to complete the drill.

Requirements

  • Target: Four (4) 4-inch diameter circles
  • Hits: 5 hits in each circle (20 total)
  • Consecutive hits not required
  • As many rounds as needed
  • No time limit

Distance Levels

LevelDistanceRequirement
Level 110 feet5 hits in each 4-inch circle
Level 215 feet5 hits in each 4-inch circle
Level 320 feet5 hits in each 4-inch circle

✅ To pass the qualification, shooters must complete Level 1 with all 20 hits inside the circles.

Why Run This Drill?

This isn’t just an NRA formality—it’s a solid accuracy exercise. It teaches shot placement, sight discipline, and consistency without the pressure of a clock. That makes it ideal for:

  • New shooters building fundamentals
  • CCW students preparing for more advanced drills
  • Instructors running baseline tests
  • Experienced shooters looking for a back-to-basics warmup

🎯 See Below to Print the Target

We’ve created a printable 8.5×11” sheet with four 4-inch circles, spaced and bold-lined for easy visibility.
Scroll to the bottom of this article to download the target PDF.

Want to Train Like This In-Person?

We run drills like this in our Colorado firearms training programs every week. Whether you’re a brand-new shooter or a concealed carry applicant, we’ll help you build real skills you can count on.

👉 Take a Concealed Carry Class in Denver
👉 Learn Colorado Self-Defense and Gun Laws
👉 Compare the Best Self-Defense Insurance Plans

NRA Student Pistol Qualification-compressedDownload

Published by Mark Schneider

I am a certified firearms instructor and use-of-force expert with extensive real-world experience in firearms, security, and defensive tactics.Credentials & Experience:20+ years of owning, collecting, and shooting firearms.12+ years in the security industry, including physical security, executive protection, workplace violence prevention, loss prevention, CCTV operations, access control, incident management, and threat assessment.Denver Police Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor.Authorized Trainer for Denver Security Guard Training.NRA Certified Firearms Instructor – Pistol, Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), Rifle, Shotgun, Inside the Home (ITH), Outside the Home (OTH), Range Training & Basic Verification (RTBV), Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO).USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor – Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals (CCHDF).Force Science Institute Certified – Use-of-Force Analysis.De-escalation Certified Instructor.Massad Ayoob MAG-40 Graduate.Sig Sauer Academy Graduate – Pistol 103 & Pistol 104.Law of Self Defense – Instructor Program Graduate.Dave Grossman Academy – Completed The Bullet Proof Mind, On Combat, and On Killing courses.Axon Taser Certified Instructor.OC/Pepper Spray Certified Instructor.PPCT Defensive Tactics Certified Instructor.Glock Armorer.Novice Gunsmith.Licensed Insurance Producer.HAM Radio Operator.8+ years as a teacher and instructor in firearms, self-defense, and related disciplines.

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