Firearm Competency Shotgun and Rifle Knowledge — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is the size of a shotgun bore most commonly described?
- By gauge (Correct answer)
- By calibre in millimetres
- By barrel length
- By magazine size
Correct answer: By gauge
Shotgun bore size is usually expressed as a gauge, such as 12-gauge or 20-gauge. A smaller gauge number means a larger bore diameter.
Question 2: What does a shotgun typically fire?
- A single solid bullet only
- Multiple small pellets (shot) or a slug (Correct answer)
- Compressed air
- Blank cartridges only
Correct answer: Multiple small pellets (shot) or a slug
A shotgun usually fires a cartridge containing many small pellets called shot, though it can also fire a single solid projectile known as a slug.
Question 3: Which action is commonly found on a hunting rifle?
- Revolver action
- Break action with shot
- Bolt action (Correct answer)
- Blow-back pistol action
Correct answer: Bolt action
Bolt-action rifles are popular for hunting and target shooting because they are accurate, reliable and chamber rounds one at a time with a manually operated bolt.
Question 4: What is the main practical difference between a rifle and a shotgun at distance?
- A rifle has no sights
- A shotgun fires further
- There is no difference
- A rifle is generally more accurate over longer distances (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A rifle is generally more accurate over longer distances
A rifle's rifled barrel spins a single projectile for accuracy over long distances, whereas a shotgun's spreading shot pattern is suited to closer ranges.
Question 5: What does 'rifling' inside a barrel do?
- Spins the bullet to stabilise it in flight (Correct answer)
- Cools the barrel
- Slows the bullet down
- Reduces the noise
Correct answer: Spins the bullet to stabilise it in flight
Rifling is a series of spiral grooves cut into the bore that impart spin to the bullet, stabilising it so it flies straight and true.
Question 6: Before crossing a fence or obstacle while hunting, what should you do with a rifle?
- Keep it loaded with the safety off
- Unload it or make it safe and control the muzzle (Correct answer)
- Throw it over the fence first
- Carry it on your shoulder loaded
Correct answer: Unload it or make it safe and control the muzzle
When crossing fences, ditches or other obstacles, make the firearm safe, control the muzzle direction, and never climb while holding a loaded, ready firearm.
Question 7: Why is hearing and eye protection recommended when shooting rifles and shotguns?
- To look professional
- To improve accuracy
- To protect against muzzle blast, noise and ejected debris (Correct answer)
- Because the law bans shooting without it indoors only
Correct answer: To protect against muzzle blast, noise and ejected debris
Muzzle blast can permanently damage hearing, and ejected casings, gases or fragments can injure the eyes, so proper protection is strongly recommended.
Question 8: What licence category typically applies to a firearm used for hunting and sport-shooting purposes?
- A self-defence licence under Section 13
- No licence is needed for hunting
- A business licence
- A dedicated hunter or sport-shooter licence under Section 16 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A dedicated hunter or sport-shooter licence under Section 16
Hunting and sport-shooting firearms are generally licensed under Section 16 of the FCA, often linked to membership of an accredited hunting or sport-shooting association.
Firearm Competency Shotgun and Rifle Knowledge
How is the size of a shotgun bore most commonly described?