2. What type of wood does Cornish McManus use to make the gun-stock of his "sweet" rifle?
(a) Curly maple
(b) Black oak
(c) Goncala Alves
(d) American oak

3. How much does Harv Kline want to charge Tim Harrow for fixing his vehicle?
(a) $4,000
(b) $400
(c) $20
(d) Nothing

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

5. How much force does it take on the trigger to fire that "sweet" rifle that Cornish McManus builds?
(a) About three pounds
(b) About thirty pounds
(c) About three ounces
(d) About three hundred pounds

Short Answer Questions

1. Who first buys the "sweet" rifle from Cornish McManus?

2. How much money does Tim Harrow have hidden in his mobile home?

3. After Cornish McManus sells his "sweet" rifle to John Byam, what happens to him [McManus]?

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

5. If Tim Harrow shot and killed someone who was attempting to burglarize his home, how would he likely refer to his action?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. Is the "sweet" rifle evil?

5. Why does John Byam kill the first British officer that he kills?

6. 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?

7. 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?

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

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

10. What does John Byam use the "sweet" rifle for?

(see the answer keys)

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