2. Why does Cornish McManus cast bullets that are a little too small for the rifle's bore?
(a) So they can be loaded quickly
(b) So they will be inaccurate
(c) So they can be used with a patch
(d) Because he doesn't know what he's doing

3. Tim Harrow is honorably discharged from which branch of the armed forces?
(a) The air force
(b) The army
(c) The navy
(d) The Marines

4. What does Cornish McManus use to polish the bore of his "sweet" rifle?
(a) Steel wool
(b) Emery paper
(c) A rag soaked in lard and very fine strained sand
(d) Cow's urine

5. What is the name of the part of a flintlock rifle that holds the priming charge?
(a) The bolster
(b) The hammer
(c) The patch box
(d) The pan

Short Answer Questions

1. How long does it take Cornish McManus to manufacture the barrel of his "sweet" rifle?

2. British forces hang a farmer named Bainbridge because they find what hidden on his property?

3. John Waynewright often complains that Cornish McManus is too what?

4. In his lifetime, how many times does Tim Harrow use a firearm to protect his life or property?

5. What function does the tang perform on the rifle that Cornish McManus built?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why do the British hang Cornish McManus?

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

5. 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?

6. Describe how the British are presented in the novel.

7. Why does it take Cornish McManus so long to build the "sweet" rifle?

8. What was the leading cause of death among American Revolutionary War soldiers?

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

10. In reviewing John Byam's actions in the novel, would you consider him a hero?

(see the answer keys)

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