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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the twist rate of the rifling of the barrel of Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle?
(a) One turn in thirty-five inches
(b) It doesn't twist
(c) One turn in six inches
(d) One turn in thirty-five yards

2. British forces hang a farmer named Bainbridge because they find what hidden on his property?
(a) Cannon powder and lead
(b) A psychiatric evaluation
(c) American coinage
(d) The "sweet" rifle that McManus built

3. What does Cornish McManus use to put the final finish and shine on his "sweet" rifle?
(a) Parkerizing
(b) Shellac
(c) Laquer
(d) Beeswax

4. After buying the "sweet" rifle for twenty-five dollars, for how much does the antique store owner sell the weapon?
(a) Two hundred thousand dollars
(b) Two hundred dollars
(c) Two thousand dollars
(d) Twenty thousand dollars

5. In Cornish McManus' opinion, what is the most significant aspect of a rifle?
(a) Cost
(b) Beauty
(c) Weight
(d) Accuracy

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the irregular mark called that is left on a bullet after it is cast?

2. In the rifle that Cornish McManus builds, the flint strikes a piece of metal called what?

3. When Cornish McManus test fires his rifle for accuracy, from what range does he choose to shoot?

4. After buying the "sweet" rifle, what is the first thing John Byam uses it for?

5. Tim Harrow refers to the effect of bullet impact on game as...

Short Essay Questions

1. What does John Byam use the "sweet" rifle for?

2. When Cornish McManus built his "sweet" rifle, what did he probably imagine it would be used for?

3. Cornish McManus is a superb gunsmith with great vision and skill. Describe his shooting ability.

4. Does the "sweet" rifle have a will of its own?

5. What aspect of Cornish McManus's personality, that John Waynewright dislikes, allows him to build a "sweet" rifle?

6. Do you think that John Waynewright would have valued Cornish McManus's "sweet" rifle?

7. Imagine you are the "sweet" rifle. Who would you rather be owned by--Cornish McManus or John Byam?

8. The novel spends many pages describing the construction of the rifle. Do you have a clear mental image of the processes involved in hand-making a muzzle-loading rifle?

9. Most gunsmiths would test their barrels early in the manufacturing process, to avoid wasting time finishing faulty barrels. Cornish McManus does not test his barrel until the entire gun is finished. Why?

10. How long does Cornish McManus own his "sweet" rifle before he sells it?

(see the answer keys)

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