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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. Why does Tim Harrow stop in a small town in Missouri?
(a) He wants to do a little shooting on the town range
(b) He's meeting a gun smuggler
(c) His vehicle's fuel pump stops working
(d) His vehicle runs out of fuel

2. Who repairs the fuel pump on Tim Harrow's mobile home?
(a) Harv Kline
(b) John Byam
(c) Richard Allen Mesinger
(d) Cornish McManus

3. What color is the barrel for Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle when he is completely finished with it?
(a) A deep plum-brown
(b) Neary black
(c) He leaves it in the white
(d) A deep blue

4. During the Revolutionary war period, rifles that were very accurate were described by what adjective?
(a) Hot
(b) Gilt-edged
(c) Sweet
(d) Perfect

5. Why does Cornish McManus decide to sell his "sweet" rifle?
(a) Because it's not accurate
(b) Because he knows he can make another one
(c) He needs money because he's an alcoholic
(d) He needs money so he can get married

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the final operation in the construction of Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle?

2. How much does John Byam pay Cornish McManus in exchange for the "sweet" rifle?

3. What does Cornish McManus use to polish the bore of his "sweet" rifle?

4. What major world event transpires while Cornish McManus builds his "sweet" rifle?

5. Where does the "sweet" rifle remain from c. 1776 until 1993?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. The "sweet" rifle shoots a .40 caliber ball; most rifles of the period shot a much, much larger ball. Does the small caliber of the "sweet" rifle reduce its killing capability?

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

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

5. Why does Cornish McManus decide to sell the "sweet" rifle, one of his most-cherished possessions?

6. Why does John Byam offer so much wealth in exchange for Cornish McManus' "sweet" rifle?

7. Is the "sweet" rifle evil?

8. Describe the initial organization of McRary's Rangers.

9. In reading the novel, do you think of the "sweet" Rifle as a character or as an object?

10. The cover image of several common editions of the book shows a left-handed flintlock rifle. Does the book describe the rifle as being left-handed?

(see the answer keys)

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