Colorado Hunter Test-out Exam (New
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions & Answers
{Grade A} 100% Correct (Verified
Solutions)
Basic components of ammunition - correct answer The basic components of
ammunition are the case, primer, gunpowder, and projectile(s). Shotshells have an
additional component called wad. The type of ammunition you use depends on your
firearm. Rifles and handguns use a cartridge that contains a bullet as the projectile.
Shotguns use a shotshell that contains either a slug or shot as the projectile.
Firing process - correct answer When you pull the trigger to shoot a shotshell from a
shotgun or a cartridge from a rifle or handgun, the firing pin strikes the primer in the
base of the cartridge or shotshell. This causes the primer to explode. The spark from
the primer ignites the gunpowder, which burns rapidly and converts to a gas. The gas
rapidly expands and drives the projectile(s) through the barrel with great force.
Action of a firearm - correct answer The action of a firearm is made up of parts that
load, unload, fire, and eject the shotshell or cartridge. Firearms can be classified by
,their action type — bolt action, lever action, pump action, semi-automatic (or
autoloading) action, break (or hinge) action, or revolving action (single action or double
action).
Safety of a firearm - correct answer A safety is a device that blocks the action to
prevent the firearm from shooting until the safety is released or pushed to the off
position. The safety is intended to prevent the firearm from being fired accidentally.
However, safeties are mechanical devices subject to mechanical failure from wear and
other factors.
Magazine - correct answer Repeating firearms have a magazine that stores the
ammunition that has not been fired. When you work the action, a cartridge is picked up
from the magazine and placed in the chamber ready to be fired. Magazines may be
detachable or fixed.
Sights - correct answer A sight is a device that you use to line up the muzzle with your
eye so that you can hit the target. Shotguns usually have a simple pointing bead. The
,types of sights found on rifles are open, aperture or peep, telescopic or scope (most
accurate), and dot. Most handguns have an open sight.
Firearm differences - correct answer The main differences between rifles, shotguns,
and handguns are their barrels, their intended targets, and the type of ammunition
used. The rifle barrel is long and has thick walls with spiraling grooves cut into the
bore; the grooved pattern is called rifling. The shotgun barrel is long and made of fairly
thin steel that is very smooth on the inside; it's thinner than a rifle barrel. The handgun
barrel is much shorter than a rifle or shotgun barrel because the gun is designed to be
shot while being held with one or two hands. The bores of most handgun barrels have
a grooved pattern similar to rifles.
Shotgun firing process - correct answer When a shotshell is fired from a shotgun, the
pellets leave the barrel and begin to spread, called the shot string. To control the shot
string, shotgun barrels have a choke. The types of chokes are cylinder, improved
cylinder, modified, and full.
, What is steelshot - correct answer Steel shot is slightly lighter than lead shot of the
same size, is harder than lead, and is non-toxic.
Matching ammunition - correct answer It is critical that you match the proper
ammunition to your firearm correctly. For example, using smaller shotshells in a
larger gauge gun may cause serious personal injury or gun damage. Read the specific
caliber or gauge designations on the side of the firearm's barrel, and match that
designation exactly.
Maximum projectile range - correct answer The maximum projectile range tells you at
what distances your firearm's projectile could cause injury or damage to persons,
animals, or objects. It also helps you determine whether or not you can make a clean
kill. Knowing your firearm's maximum projectile range is critical to being a safe and
responsible hunter.
Cleaning your firearms - correct answer Cleaning your firearms regularly keeps them
in top condition. To clean a firearm, point the muzzle in a safe direction and make sure
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions & Answers
{Grade A} 100% Correct (Verified
Solutions)
Basic components of ammunition - correct answer The basic components of
ammunition are the case, primer, gunpowder, and projectile(s). Shotshells have an
additional component called wad. The type of ammunition you use depends on your
firearm. Rifles and handguns use a cartridge that contains a bullet as the projectile.
Shotguns use a shotshell that contains either a slug or shot as the projectile.
Firing process - correct answer When you pull the trigger to shoot a shotshell from a
shotgun or a cartridge from a rifle or handgun, the firing pin strikes the primer in the
base of the cartridge or shotshell. This causes the primer to explode. The spark from
the primer ignites the gunpowder, which burns rapidly and converts to a gas. The gas
rapidly expands and drives the projectile(s) through the barrel with great force.
Action of a firearm - correct answer The action of a firearm is made up of parts that
load, unload, fire, and eject the shotshell or cartridge. Firearms can be classified by
,their action type — bolt action, lever action, pump action, semi-automatic (or
autoloading) action, break (or hinge) action, or revolving action (single action or double
action).
Safety of a firearm - correct answer A safety is a device that blocks the action to
prevent the firearm from shooting until the safety is released or pushed to the off
position. The safety is intended to prevent the firearm from being fired accidentally.
However, safeties are mechanical devices subject to mechanical failure from wear and
other factors.
Magazine - correct answer Repeating firearms have a magazine that stores the
ammunition that has not been fired. When you work the action, a cartridge is picked up
from the magazine and placed in the chamber ready to be fired. Magazines may be
detachable or fixed.
Sights - correct answer A sight is a device that you use to line up the muzzle with your
eye so that you can hit the target. Shotguns usually have a simple pointing bead. The
,types of sights found on rifles are open, aperture or peep, telescopic or scope (most
accurate), and dot. Most handguns have an open sight.
Firearm differences - correct answer The main differences between rifles, shotguns,
and handguns are their barrels, their intended targets, and the type of ammunition
used. The rifle barrel is long and has thick walls with spiraling grooves cut into the
bore; the grooved pattern is called rifling. The shotgun barrel is long and made of fairly
thin steel that is very smooth on the inside; it's thinner than a rifle barrel. The handgun
barrel is much shorter than a rifle or shotgun barrel because the gun is designed to be
shot while being held with one or two hands. The bores of most handgun barrels have
a grooved pattern similar to rifles.
Shotgun firing process - correct answer When a shotshell is fired from a shotgun, the
pellets leave the barrel and begin to spread, called the shot string. To control the shot
string, shotgun barrels have a choke. The types of chokes are cylinder, improved
cylinder, modified, and full.
, What is steelshot - correct answer Steel shot is slightly lighter than lead shot of the
same size, is harder than lead, and is non-toxic.
Matching ammunition - correct answer It is critical that you match the proper
ammunition to your firearm correctly. For example, using smaller shotshells in a
larger gauge gun may cause serious personal injury or gun damage. Read the specific
caliber or gauge designations on the side of the firearm's barrel, and match that
designation exactly.
Maximum projectile range - correct answer The maximum projectile range tells you at
what distances your firearm's projectile could cause injury or damage to persons,
animals, or objects. It also helps you determine whether or not you can make a clean
kill. Knowing your firearm's maximum projectile range is critical to being a safe and
responsible hunter.
Cleaning your firearms - correct answer Cleaning your firearms regularly keeps them
in top condition. To clean a firearm, point the muzzle in a safe direction and make sure
