CFA Firearm Identification & Historical Significance 3

Question 1

What distinguishes a 'Type I' Springfield M1 Garand from later production variants?

Accepted Answer

Type I Garands have a gas trap system rather than a gas port barrel

Answer

Early M1 Garands used a gas trap system at the muzzle end; this was replaced by a simpler and more reliable gas port drilled in the barrel on later production guns.

Question 2

Which proof house is associated with the 'crowned N' proof mark commonly found on Italian firearms?

Accepted Answer

Gardone Val Trompia (Brescia) Proof House

Answer

The crowned N is the principal Italian proof mark originating from the Gardone Val Trompia proof house in Brescia, Italy's primary firearms manufacturing region.

Question 3

The term 'Damascus barrel' in antique shotguns refers to:

Accepted Answer

A barrel formed by twisting and welding iron and steel rods together, creating a visible pattern

Answer

Damascus (twist) barrels were made by forge-welding twisted rods of iron and steel together, leaving a distinctive pattern; they are unsafe for modern smokeless powder loads.

Question 4

A Colt Python revolver is chambered in which caliber?

Accepted Answer

.357 Magnum

Answer

The Colt Python, introduced in 1955, is chambered in .357 Magnum and is also capable of firing .38 Special cartridges.

Question 5

On antique percussion revolvers, what is the function of the 'nipple'?

Accepted Answer

It is a threaded cone on which the percussion cap is seated to transmit fire to the powder charge

Answer

The nipple is a threaded steel cone screwed into each chamber; a percussion cap placed on it is struck by the hammer, igniting the main powder charge.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Firearm Identification & Historical Significance 3