Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

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Study for the Washington State Hunters Ed Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.

Shotguns are generally measured in which unit?

Caliber
Millimeters
Gauge
Inches

The correct answer is: Gauge

Shotguns are generally measured in gauge, which refers to the size of the shotgun barrel and is a measure of the diameter of the bore. The gauge system is based on the number of lead balls of a specific diameter that weigh one pound. For example, a 12-gauge shotgun means that twelve lead balls of the diameter equal to the bore of that shotgun would weigh one pound. This system is unique to shotguns and differs from rifles and handguns that are usually measured in caliber, which refers to the diameter of the bullet used. Additionally, while millimeters and inches are common measurements for other types of firearms, they are not typically used in gauging shotguns. Therefore, gauge provides a standardized size descriptor specifically for shotguns, making it the correct unit of measurement in this context.