Can You Ace This Bullets and Firearms Quiz in 7 Minutes?

Becky

Image: shutterstock

About This Quiz

Do you know everything there is to know about guns? If you've got firearms in your blood, you might know a thing about bullets and firearms. Prove it by acing this quiz in seven minutes or less.

As simple as the action of many firearms is, there are actually numerous moving parts and technical specs that go into aiming, firing and maintaining a firearm. Guns might seem like simple point and shoot devices, but without knowing the basics, you're probably doing it wrong. To get started, it's a good idea to know the components of a firearm. From the stock to the muzzle, every firearm has a number of moving parts that perform a host of important functions that result in the successful firing of the weapon. Sure, you might know what a stock and a muzzle are, but are you familiar with the terms "velocity" and "extractor"? If not, you're definitely not going to finish this quiz in seven minutes. If you are familiar with these terms, let's see if you are up to the challenge. Although there's no money in it, successful completion of this quiz will earn you bragging rights.

Are you prepared to take the quiz? Ready, aim, fire!

What is the term for the metal tube through which a bullet is fired?

The metal tube through which a bullet is fired is called a barrel. Gun barrels are typically made of a rigid, high-strength metal.

What mechanism prevents a gun from firing?

The safety prevents a fun from firing. But a safety isn't fail proof, so make sure you practice gun safety.

What component of a gun initiates the firing sequence?

The trigger initiates the firing sequence. Triggers are typically activated using a finger.

What is the name for the projectile fired from a gun?

The projectile fired from a gun is called a bullet. There are multiple types of bullets.

What device muffles the sound of a gunshot?

A silencer muffles the sound of a gunshot. A silencer fits over the barrel of a gun.

The device used to aim a gun is called what?

The device used to aim a gun is called a sight. The sight is located on top of the barrel.

What part of a gun do you hold on to?

You hold on to a stock. Stocks are made of either plastic, metal or wood.

What is the name for a handgun that has a cylinder to hold cartridges?

A revolver is a handgun with a cylinder that holds the cartridges. It is called a revolver because the cylinder revolves to move the cartridge into firing position.

During what does the cartridge load, fire, and eject?

The action is the term used for when the cartridge loads, fires and ejects. Action can be single or double.

A handgun that does not have a revolving cylinder might be called what?

A handgun that does not have a revolving cylinder might be called a pistol. The term originated in 16th century Europe.

What is the term for the end of the barrel where the bullet exits?

The term for the end of the barrel where the bullet exits is "muzzle." The muzzle is critical to a firearm's accuracy.

What holds the cartridge when it is ready to fire?

The chamber holds a cartridge that is ready for firing. Revolvers have multiple chambers.

What is the term that is used to describe the backward motion of a gun?

Kick is the term used to describe the backward motion of a gun when it is discharged. The term recoil may also be used.

A repeating firearm uses what device to store and feed ammunition?

A repeating firearm uses a magazine to store and feed ammunition. A magazine can be fixed or detachable.

The package of a propellant and a projectile is referred to as what?

The package of a propellant and a projectile is referred to as ammunition. The package itself is a cartridge.

What is the inside of a barrel called?

The inside of a barrel is called a bore. The bore of a shotgun is smooth, which leads to the term "smoothbore."

Gunpowder made of nitrate, charcoal and sulfur was called what?

Gunpowder made of nitrate, charcoal and sulfur was called black powder. This kind of gunpowder is no longer used.

Firearms that can shoot multiple rounds are called what?

Firearms that can shoot multiple rounds are called repeaters. Repeaters may or may not require manual action between rounds.

Modern gunpowder is called _________ gunpowder.

Modern gunpowder is called smokeless. However, modern gunpowder is neither true gunpowder nor truly smokeless.

What is the term for the manner in which gunpowder is ignited?

Ignition is the term for the manner in which gunpowder is ignited. Modern guns are ignited differently from old fashioned guns.

The weight of powder or a bullet is called what?

The weight of the powder in a cartridge or of a bullet is called grain. This term used to be based on a grain of wheat or barley.

What part of a firearm strikes a firing pin?

The hammer strikes the firing pin. The firing pin then ignites the primer.

The lead core of a bullet is surrounded by what?

The lead core of a bullet is surrounded by a jacket. Jackets are usually made of copper.

A rifle with two barrels is what type of rifle?

A rifle with two barrels is called a double-barrel rifle. A double barrel may be over/under or side by side.

What device was once used to push the projectile down the bore toward the propellant?

A ramrod was once used to push the projectile down the bore toward the propellant. A ramrod was typically made of metal or wood.

The diameter of a barrel is expressed using what term?

The diameter of a barrel is expressed using the term gauge. Gauge is a measure of the bore diameter.

What is the term used when firing a weapon without ammunition?

Dry fire is the term used when firing a weapon without ammunition. But, be careful, dry firing can damage a firearm.

Informal target shooting is called what?

Informal target shooting is called plinking. Shooting at cans can be called plinking.

The speed at which a projectile leaves the muzzle is called what?

Velocity is the term for the speed at which a projectile leaves the muzzle. Velocity may be as high as 4,000 feet per second.

What part of a firearm ejects the spent casing?

An extractor ejects the spent casing after the firearm has been fired. The extractor is part of the action cycle.

The up/down adjustment of a sight is called what?

The up/down adjustment of a sight is called elevation. This refers to the vertical adjustment.

What is the term for a cartridge that contains gunpowder but no bullet?

A cartridge that contains gunpowder but no bullet is called a blank. Blanks do make a flash and a sound.

The side to side adjustment of a sight is called what?

The side to side adjustment of a sight is called windage. This changes the horizontal aim of the weapon.

What tool is used to clean the inside of a barrel?

A bore snake is used to clean inside the barrel. A bore snake might also be called a cleaning cord.

How many barrels does a drilling have?

A drilling has three barrels. The term "drilling" is based on the German word for three, which is drei.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

Explore More Quizzes