GSI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield GSI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Gun Safety Instructor practice, what is the CORRECT sequence when performing a technical procedure? → Plan, prepare, execute, verify, and document
2. In Gun Safety Instructor practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
3. Which of the following actions is INCORRECT when managing a firearm involved in a shooting incident before law enforcement arrives? → Thoroughly clean the firearm to remove residue before officers arrive
4. What is the correct protocol when a firearm fails to fire (no bang, no click) during a timed qualification stage? → Keep the firearm pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before opening the action
5. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for GSI professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
6. Which instructional model is most commonly used as a framework for designing firearms safety courses? → ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)
7. During a range emergency requiring evacuation, what is the correct procedure for students handling loaded firearms? → Unload firearms safely, engage safeties, and then evacuate under instructor direction
8. In Gun Safety Instructor, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular safety drills and exercises? → To ensure personnel can respond effectively in emergencies
9. In Gun Safety Instructor practice, what is the CORRECT sequence when performing a technical procedure? → Plan, prepare, execute, verify, and document
10. A person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance is prohibited from possessing firearms under: → 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)
11. Which grip error most commonly causes shots to group low and to the left for a right-handed shooter? → Heeling — pushing the gun forward in anticipation of recoil
12. When calling 911 after a range shooting injury, which information should you provide FIRST? → Your location and the nature of the emergency
13. How should firearms be stored safely? → Unloaded and locked
14. How should ammunition be stored to maintain reliability and safety? → In a cool, dry location away from heat sources and moisture
15. What does the term 'caliber' refer to when describing ammunition? → The diameter of the bullet or bore in inches or millimeters
16. Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which of the following requires a $200 tax stamp and ATF approval for civilian transfer? → Suppressors (silencers)
17. Bloom's Taxonomy is useful for GSI curriculum development primarily because it: → Classifies learning objectives from simple recall to complex application and evaluation
18. Why is it important for a GSI instructor to teach students to match ammunition to the firearm's marked caliber? → To prevent dangerous chamber pressure spikes and potential firearm failure
19. Who should you notify during an emergency? → Emergency services
20. What does the acronym 'MARCH' stand for in tactical emergency casualty care (TECC)? → Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia
21. What is the BEST way for a Gun Safety Instructor professional to stay current with regulatory changes? → Monitor regulatory bodies, attend CE, and participate in professional associations
22. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Gun Safety Instructor profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality, and maintain professional integrity
23. What is the function of a ballistic coefficient (BC) for a bullet? → It describes how efficiently a bullet overcomes air resistance in flight
24. Which propellant type is used in modern centerfire cartridges? → Smokeless powder
25. Which evaluation method provides the MOST valid assessment of a student's safe gun handling proficiency? → A direct observation checklist completed by the instructor during live demonstration
26. When conducting a range safety briefing as a GSI, which instruction should ALWAYS be included regardless of the experience level of participants? → Instruct shooters to keep fingers off the trigger until ready to fire
27. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL GSI certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
28. What firearm component should a GSI instructor emphasize cleaning regularly to prevent misfires? → The firing pin and firing pin channel
29. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Gun Safety Instructor field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
30. A student's hands are shaking severely and they are pale and sweating after witnessing a shooting accident. This is most likely: → Acute stress reaction (psychological shock)