If You Get More Than 11 Right on This Firearms Safety Quiz, You’re Probably a Member of the NRA

MILITARY

By: Brian Whitney

6 Min Quiz

Image: Lucky Gunner Ammo via YouTube

About This Quiz

If you love guns, or even if you know someone who does, you know how important gun safety is. Whether you're at the shooting range, out hunting with your friends, or even if you use your gun to protect your home, it is extremely important that you're always safe with your firearms and respect the damage that they can cause. Every year there are numerous deaths and injuries caused by people that are careless and unsafe with their guns. This not only results in needless tragedy, but it also gives the rest of the gun users out there who do practice good gun safety a bad name.

We've devised a quiz that will thoroughly test your knowledge of gun safety. It includes where and how you should store your gun when at home or not in use, how to hunt safely whether alone or in a group and questions about how to use your gun or maintain it. If you get at least 11 right on this difficult quiz you're probably an expert on guns, or perhaps a member of the N.R.A. By now you must be pretty fired up to take this quiz, so give it a shot and we'll tell you how you did.

Just about every gun should have a safety, what should you do with it?

Just because something is called a safety doesn't mean it is 100 percent safe. While a safety should always be used, you should never depend on it to save your life or someone else's.

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In 2013, how many accidental deaths were there in the United States due to guns?

There are many reasons to be safe with guns, but one main reason everyone should be safe when they're dealing with firearms is to avoid accidental deaths. 505 deaths is 505 too many.

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Does how comfortable you are with a gun matter when it comes to safety?

The better you know a particular gun the safer you'll be with it. Guns are a little like people, you have to get to know them well to figure out what they're really like.

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Rifles and shotguns are similar, what is a major difference between a rifle and a shotgun?

A scope on a rifle is an optical device that helps you aim and provides some level of magnification so the target appears closer than it is. Rifles often have these while shotguns don't.

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A gun isn't much good without bullets, when should you unload it?

It might seem like it is a total pain to unload your gun every time you leave it unattended but it really is the safest thing to do. It might sound kind of trite to say,, but it really is better to be safe than sorry.

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Misfires are scary, what is the first thing you do if you misfire when shooting at a target?

If your gun misfires that's an extremely scary thing to have happen. You need to keep your head, though, and keep your gun pointing at your target in case there is a situation involving delayed fire.

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If you have a gun, how should you treat it?

You might be just about 100 percent sure that your gun isn't loaded, but that isn't really the point. What if it is? If you always act like your gun is loaded then you have nothing to worry about.

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What is the minimum age in the U.S for someone to get a handgun?

Just like so many other things in the United States — like voting or joining the military — 18 is the magic number. You have to be 18 years old before you can legally get a handgun.

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What gun control law is named after the press secretary who was injured in President Reagan's attempted assassination?

James Brady was a White House press secretary who, in 1981, became permanently disabled from a gunshot wound during the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. John Hinckley was the person who shot him.

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How many guns can you own in the United States if convicted of a felony?

While gun rights are given to all of us by the constitution, that doesn't mean that they can't be taken away. If you commit a crime and are convicted of a felony you won't be allowed to carry a gun.

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How important is it to lock up your firearm in a safe location while at home?

It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to lock up your firearms, and it can prevent a huge tragedy. It always makes sense to do the little things around your home that can save lives.

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When do you have to be careful loading ammunition?

Sometimes the biggest dangers come when we feel the most comfortable. Just because you become experienced at something, including firearms, doesn't mean you don't have to be careful anymore.

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You're hunting with friends, what is safe for you to shoot at?

There are a lot of accidents every year that involve hunting and almost all of them would not happen if people were just more careful. Never shoot at anything unless you're 100 percent sure you know what it is.

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While some people like time to themselves, is it safe to go hunting alone?

You always want someone with you because if something happens you want someone to help you or be able to go get help.

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Everything gets old, can ammunition actually expire?

Would you use medication that was way over its safe-use date? Of course not, and the same rule applies to ammunition. If your ammunition is past the date of it being safe to use, dispose of it in a proper manner.

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If you trip and fall while holding your gun, what do you do?

If you are tripping and falling while carrying your gun, don't panic. Just be sure to control which way your muzzle is pointed no matter what.

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What could possibly happen if you shoot at the water?

It might sound fun to shoot at the water, but don't do it. Your bullet could ricochet off the water and cause damage to you, someone else, or property.

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Is it important to use ammunition that your gun is built to handle?

Guns are not toys, and having a gun is serious business. So, with that said, you can't just throw any old piece of ammunition in your gun that seems to fit. Always use the correct type of ammunition for your gun.

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Do you need a permit to hunt on the land of the Department of Conservation?

This shouldn't be a tough one, but for some people it is. Do not, under any circumstances, go hunt on the property of the Department of Conservation. It won't turn out well for you.

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Is it okay to carry a gun around while intoxicated?

It's important to remember that guns can kill you and your friends. Using a gun is a serious responsibility. Don't do it while you're intoxicated, it is never safe.

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How often should you clean your gun after you use it?

If you want to be truly safe with your gun (and if you're taking this quiz, we hope you do), then you need to clean your gun after each use. It's easy to do and it makes your firearm that much safer to use.

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Handguns are noisy, do you know how loud most of them are?

We all know guns are loud, but it is shocking to know how loud they actually are. Always try and wear ear protection when shooting, long term exposure to any loud noise is not healthy.

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Is it a good idea to take a training class to help you learn to use your gun safely?

Whether you are a rookie or a veteran firearms user, it never hurts to be trained in the use of your gun. Even the best can get better.

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What is the key component of Smart Guns?

Smart guns employ systems that allow them to fire only when activated by an authorized user, such as RFID chips, fingerprint recognition, or magnetic rings. They are truly a great idea and can make your house safer. Even if you have one, however, don't get overconfident. It's still important to keep your guns under lock and key.

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What should you never point your gun at?

It has been said a lot, but it needs to be said again. Guns are not toys, Don't ever point your gun at an object, an animal or a person unless you really intend to shoot it and understand the consequences.

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As far as safety goes, are some guns safer than others?

It really doesn't matter if you have a new high-tech rifle or an old shotgun that hasn't been fired in 50 years. When it comes to safety, treat all guns the same way.

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Do you ever have to worry about a bullet going straight through a target and out the other side?

You can't just shoot at any old target and think it will hold the bullet. One has to be very careful to make sure the bullet doesn't overpenetrate and come out the other side.

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Target shooting can be fun, what should you wear for protection when target shooting?

Guns are extremely loud, so you should always wear ear protection. It is also important to protect your eyes, so you should always wear both types of safety gear.

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Is it important to use a hard surface for a backdrop when target shooting?

This one seems like a no brainer to most, but sometimes people just don't think. You might have the perfect target but if you have the wrong background accidents can definitely happen.

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When you have to run with your gun, where should your trigger finger be?

There are only a few legitimate reasons you should ever have to run with your gun, and none of them are good. Still, if you have to run with your gun, keep your finger away from the trigger.

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Sometimes we all want change, is it safe to alter your gun?

Altering your own gun will make it less safe. Period.

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If you need to get over a fence while carrying a gun, how do you do it?

While it might seem fun to run and jump over a fence like you're in a movie, you have to remember, you aren't. Take it slow and make sure you get over the fence safely by using this method.

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According to a 2018 study, how many U.S. minors live in a home with easily accessible firearm?

This number is kind of astounding. Even if you completely trust your kids, you should NEVER leave guns where they can access them.

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According to a 2006 study, what percentage of children under 10 know where their parents' firearms are?

Let this number sink in. While this statistic isn't saying all of these guns are unlocked and accessible it is still sobering. Young children and firearms simply don't mix in any situation.

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According to the International Hunter Education Association, about how many hunters are shot a year in the U.S and Canada?

One thousand is 1,000 too many. Be safe out there.

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