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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. Although the unnamed man whose children find the "sweet" rifle in the attic of their new house finds it beautiful, he gets rid of it. Why?
(a) He already has a gun
(b) His wife is afraid of guns
(c) He needs money so he sells it
(d) He doesn't have a gun permit

2. What tall tale does Tim Harrow make up about the "sweet" rifle that, unbeknownst to him, is actually true?
(a) That is was used to assassinate President Lincoln
(b) That it once was owned by Thomas Jefferson
(c) That it was used in the American Revolutionary War
(d) That is was used in the American Civil War

3. Most rifles of the American Revolutionary War period were .58 to .75 caliber. What caliber was Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle?
(a) .66 caliber
(b) .58 caliber
(c) .40 caliber
(d) .75 caliber

4. In his lifetime, how many times does Tim Harrow use a firearm to protect his life or property?
(a) Zero
(b) Dozens of times
(c) Sixteen
(d) Once

5. What type of rifle is Cornish McManus's "sweet" rifle?
(a) A matchlock
(b) A snaphaunce
(c) A flintlock
(d) A wheel lock

Short Answer Questions

1. Who built the rifle discussed in the novel?

2. After buying the "sweet" rifle for twenty-five dollars, for how much does the antique store owner sell the weapon?

3. What does Cornish McManus make out of rough-sawn "blanks"?

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

5. Harv Kline agrees to fix Tim Harrow's vehicle in exchange for what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how life in the American army forces is presented in the novel.

2. 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?

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

4. 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?

5. Is the "sweet" rifle evil?

6. The cover image of several common editions of the book shows a highly-engraved flintlock rifle. Does the book describe the rifle as being engraved?

7. Why do the British hang Cornish McManus?

8. What types of uses is Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle put to during the novel?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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