Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

How are rifles generally measured?

1. Caliber

2. Gauge

3. Length

4. Weight

The correct answer is: Caliber

Rifles are generally measured by caliber, which refers to the internal diameter of the rifle’s barrel and the diameter of the bullet that the rifle fires. This measurement is critical because it directly affects the rifle's performance, accuracy, and the type of ammunition that can be used. For example, a .30 caliber rifle refers to a rifle with a barrel diameter of approximately 0.30 inches, and the bullet designed for it matches this specification. Caliber measurements can indicate the effectiveness and range of the rifle, making it a key consideration for hunters and shooters when selecting their firearms. Additionally, understanding caliber helps differentiate between various types of ammunition suitable for different hunting or shooting applications. While other measurements like gauge, length, and weight can apply to firearms in general, they do not specifically pertain to how rifles are categorized or measured in standard practice.