Which component is NOT part of basic ammunition?

The correct answer is that the firing pin is not considered a component of basic ammunition. Basic ammunition is comprised of three primary components: powder, projectile, and primer.

The powder is the propellant that ignites and creates the gas needed to propel the projectile from the cartridge. The projectile is the actual bullet or shot that is expelled from the firearm. The primer is the component that ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin, initiating the firing process.

While the firing pin is essential for the operation of a firearm, it is part of the firearm itself rather than the ammunition. Understanding this distinction is important for both safely handling firearms and comprehending the mechanics of how ammunition and firearms interact.