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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Harv Kline say after the "sweet" rifle accidentally discharges?
(a) "Take that..." (p. 95)
(b) "Bang!" (p. 95)
(c) "What--" (p. 95)
(d) He curses

2. According to the novel, how old was Richard Allen Mesinger "supposed" to be when he died?
(a) Old enough to know not to play with guns
(b) 14
(c) 74
(d) 60

3. How many close friends does Richard Allen Mesington have during the first few years of his life?
(a) Dozens
(b) None
(c) Five
(d) One

4. When does Richard Allen Mesinger die?
(a) 24 December 1993
(b) 4 July 1776
(c) 24 December 1776
(d) 4 July 1993

5. According to the novel, what is the muzzle velocity of a black powder rifle's projectile?
(a) The speed of light
(b) 1,200 feet per second
(c) Mach 2
(d) About 30 long paces

6. What actually ignites the black powder in the "sweet" rifle as it hangs in Harv Kline's house?
(a) The flint striking the frizzen
(b) A spark form the fire
(c) A candle flame
(d) Harv Kline's cigarette

7. What was Richard Allen Mesington's first pet dog named?
(a) Sarah
(b) Sissy
(c) Peggy
(d) Bughoe

8. How much linear distance in the bore of the "sweet" rifle is used by a typical loading of powder and patched ball?
(a) None
(b) Two feet
(c) The entire length of the bore
(d) Two inches

9. According to the novel, how common were firearms accidents prior to 1850?
(a) They were very rare
(b) They were virtually non-existent
(c) They were common
(d) They were almost unheard of

10. How does Richard Allen Mesington think about firearms?
(a) He doesn't think about them
(b) He loves them
(c) He is terrified of them
(d) He thinks he's like to learn how to make them

11. What can comparing the length of the ramrod to the length of the barrel demonstrate with a muzzle-loading rifle?
(a) How accurate the rifle is
(b) Whether it is British or American manufacture
(c) Whether it is a "sweet" rifle
(d) Whether it is loaded

12. After John Byam, what act is never performed on the "sweet" rifle?
(a) Checking to see if it is loaded
(b) Firing it
(c) Selling it
(d) Cleaning it up

13. What does Mr. Mesington do for a living?
(a) He works as an auto mechanic
(b) He is a gunsmith
(c) He is an antique dealer
(d) He works in construction

14. What happened to Mrs. Mesinger after Richard Allen Mesinger's death?
(a) She went insane
(b) The British soldiers hung her also
(c) She forgot about the "sweet" rifle in her attic
(d) She moved to California

15. Where was Richard Allen Mesington born?
(a) Salt Lake City, Utah
(b) Philadelphia
(c) New York
(d) Willow, Colorado

Short Answer Questions

1. About when were Harv Kline's two children born?

2. How does Richard Allen Mesinger die?

3. The novel states that black powder has what chemical property?

4. Why does Harv Kline have candles on display for Christmas?

5. After whom was Richard Allen Mesington named?

(see the answer keys)

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