Here is a brief Quiz I put together to initially assess certain firearms students, to best place them in certain types of instructional classes and to learn their fundamental backgrounds and firearms-knowledge levels to help them. It is meant to be just one factor to be considered and really is just a fun exercise. Of course, there is not a perfect instrument nor even one that has very high validity and correlation coefficients to statistically assess individual firearms knowledge and levels as of 2015. There are, however, various live-fire skill drills for assessment. At the beginning, I do not use these live-fire assessment drills initially for entry-level new shooters or for those who have not fired a handgun recently. Every entry-level class does, however, use live-fire shoots to determine proficiency level at the completion of the course. Take a sheet of paper and number down from 1 to 20. Then take this Quiz to have some fun and improve your firearms knowledge base.
Please understand that this FUN Quiz is meant as a very basic, limited assessment with just a few select questions of general firearms background and fundamental firearms knowledge to combine with other factors for just some added information for yourself. So, do not slit your wrists nor enter international competitions based solely on the results of this Quiz. This is meant to be just a fun and mind-challenging exercise to give you personally some more firearms information and to spur you to explore more firearms details and topics. Have fun with this Quiz and the 20 questions, be honest with yourself, and don’t look at the answers at the end until you complete the Quiz. Generally, if you get 18 or more questions correct (90%+), you are at the Advanced level. If you get 16 or 17 (80-89%) questions correct, you are at the Intermediate level, and 14 to 15 (70-79%) correct questions means Basic understanding. Anything below 14 correct questions, means more study, practice, classes, and fun researching firearms issues, facts, and information. Of course, all of us should be involved in continuous learning about firearms fundamentals, principles, techniques, and updates. Take as much time as you need for this Quiz. Please share your Quiz results as either Advanced, Intermediate, or Basic in the Comments section below. SUCCESS!
Good test
I missed a couple I’m not sure how I would know, read more USA Carry articles!!
You should do this once a month!
Agreed. This was fun.
Too many obscure questions for a “basic” quiz.
Thank you; I understand. Have FUN with it. Maybe pickup an idea or two. Just for fun. “Basic” for some and not others. Doesn’t matter, just enjoy and learn at same time. Continued success!
While an interesting/fun little quiz, Andy is (partially) correct, the fact that there were some (not too many though) obscure questions makes it a bit more then basic.
Here is how you can make some extra funds for freelancing few hrs a week from your home>Check my disqus profile for more info
Thank you; I understand. Have FUN with it. Maybe pickup an idea or two. Just for fun. “Basic” for some and not others. Doesn’t matter, just enjoy and learn at same time. Continued success!
Too many obscure questions for a “basic” quiz.
I only got one wrong, the one about unlocked breach. I guess I read it wrong, but a 1911 does lock the barrel in place. Some blowbacks don’t, like the Uzi. Not sure if that question is 100%, but I will take my lumps on it.
I only got one wrong, the one about unlocked breach. I guess I read it wrong, but a 1911 does lock the barrel in place. Some blowbacks don’t, like the Uzi. Not sure if that question is 100%, but I will take my lumps on it.
I only got one wrong, the one about unlocked breach. I guess I read it wrong, but a 1911 does lock the barrel in place. Some blowbacks don’t, like the Uzi. Not sure if that question is 100%, but I will take my lumps on it.
I disagree with you on question #20. You ask what does NOT typically describe a 1911 pistol. Your answer was .45 ACP. The 1911 was designed by John Moses Browning specifically for the .45 ACP, a cartridge specifically designed for that pistol.
Yeah I missed that one too. A little tricky. Also missed the one about the official state firearm. But 18/20 is good.
Actually the key word in the question was the last one “Today” and today 1911’s come in a large variety of calibers (from 380-357), so while you’re correct that Mr.Browning designed the original pistol for the .45, the answer to the question was correct even though 1911 purists will argue anything other then a .45 (and possibly .38super as well) isn’t really a 1911.
Yes, you are absolutely correct. Good catch my friend! Wasn’t trying to fool anybody really, just must completely read the question. I remember this from school; I was always my worst enemy because I didn’t read the question slowly and thoroughly. I have 4 1911 9mms and really like them and the single action and low recoil, compared to my 1911 .45s. Some purists will disagree, but that’s fine. Do your own thing. Glad most of you liked the challenge. Continued success!
I never assume a gun is empty, always look or feel in the chamber.
>
Col Findley,
Thank you for this fun quiz!! I really enjoyed it and would love to see more!!
Too many 1911 questions, and yet not a single Glock question.
Glock is a relative newcomer to the world of pistolcraft compared to the 1911. . .
That may be the case, however Glock is the more ubiquitous sidearm.
Advanced, thanks! I appreciate the challenge, and would have liked more clarity on the ones I missed (other than the ‘typical’ features of the 1911 today…)
Good quiz! Enjoyed having to think about it. . .
While I missed three of the questions, two were for not really reading the questions, and one about the change over in the military which was the 1911. I have been shooting for over 60 years, taught a sniper and high ranking law enforcement officer how to shoot (started him out at age 6 ) reading and answering questions are not in my best effort. I did enjoy it.
Scored Advanced, loved the challenge, cant wait for more.
Basic firearms quiz? HA!
I am glad I started this by myself instead of waiting to go through it as a group with my children. (I won’t, just fyi)
“a very basic, limited assessment with just a few select questions of general firearms background and fundamental firearms knowledge to combine with other factors for just some added information for yourself.”
“Anything below 14 correct questions, means more study, practice, classes, and fun researching firearms issues, facts, and information.”
After 33% I quit, figuring at that point without one basic firearm question (maybe, just maybe the question on rifling) I would not waste my time.
I hope this does not discourage the average and safe firearms user as it seems to expect everyone to be a walking encyclopedia of firearms components, operation, and history.
I thought it was a great quiz. The only ones I missed related to various state laws. Thanks and lots of fun!
Looking forward to receiving my results; I think that my only mistakes had nothing to do with safe operation of a firearm. Things like official firearms of a state (missed them both) etc.
I realize you wrote this awhile ago, but I wanted to say that I really enjoyed this quiz even though I did poorly, got a 60%. It was great and allows me to become familiar with terms, etc. to study.
The history of guns is fascinating and I can’t wait to learn more. I saw another quiz you wrote, I’m going to take that now. (In a few weeks I’m going to revisit your quizzes to test myself.)
I’m a new gun owner, just bought and started reading your marvelous book, it really is practical, informative and interesting. Very well written and easy for a new gun owner to understand.
Thank you for your service, Col.
(I wish you were local in order to learn from you directly.)
Best regards Col Findley.