Complete Firearms Knowledge Quiz: History & Technical Trivia

The 9×19mm Parabellum is the most widely adopted pistol cartridge due to its balance of recoil, penetration, and magazine capacity. It allows faster follow-up shots, broad logistical compatibility, and effective terminal performance. These factors make it preferable to larger calibers for military and law enforcement service across multiple nations worldwide.

Anti-material rifles are engineered to defeat lightly armored vehicles, radar installations, and communication equipment. Their large caliber and high muzzle energy exceed what is required for infantry engagement but are insufficient against heavy armor. Their purpose is equipment denial and infrastructure disruption rather than direct anti-personnel combat.

The GE M-134 is electrically driven, using an external power source to rotate barrels and cycle ammunition. This design enables extremely high rates of fire while minimizing heat buildup in any single barrel. Unlike gas or recoil-operated weapons, the electric system provides consistent operation regardless of ammunition pressure variations.

The M-16 rifle series is chambered in the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, chosen for its reduced recoil and lighter weight. This allows soldiers to carry more ammunition while maintaining accuracy and controllability. The cartridge also integrates well with NATO standardization, supporting interoperability among allied forces.

TASER electronic control devices fire barbed probes that penetrate clothing and skin to deliver an electrical charge. This charge disrupts neuromuscular signals, causing temporary incapacitation. Unlike pain-compliance tools, the effect prevents voluntary muscle control, allowing officers to subdue subjects while reducing the risk of permanent injury.

The FN FAL was adopted by the British military as the L1A1, featuring semi-automatic operation and national modifications. Canada adopted a similar version designated the C1A1. These designations reflect localized adaptations while retaining the core FN FAL operating system and overall design philosophy.

The M-40 sniper rifle series is built on the Remington 700 action, selected for its accuracy, strength, and consistency. The action’s proven performance and aftermarket support made it an ideal foundation for a military precision rifle, allowing further enhancements tailored to sniper requirements.

Despite its reputation for reliability, the IMI Uzi experienced operational issues in sandy environments. Fine sand could enter the open-bolt system, leading to malfunctions over time. While durable and easy to manufacture, prolonged exposure to desert conditions revealed limitations compared to sealed, modern firearm designs.

Glock manufactures pistols in numerous calibers, including 9mm, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W. These calibers serve law enforcement, military, and civilian markets. Glock’s polymer-framed design allows adaptation across multiple chamberings while maintaining consistent ergonomics and operational simplicity.

The FN M-249 supports two feeding systems: belt-fed ammunition and compatible STANAG magazines. This dual-feed capability provides flexibility in combat, allowing sustained automatic fire from belts or emergency use of standard rifle magazines when belts are unavailable.

The RPK is chambered in 7.62×39mm to maintain compatibility with AK-pattern rifles. This simplifies logistics within infantry units and ensures consistent ballistic performance. The cartridge provides effective range and penetration suitable for a squad automatic weapon role.

The PP-90M1 charging handle is located at the front of the weapon above the barrel. This awkward placement complicates operation and increases safety risks. Users must reach forward near the muzzle to charge the weapon, making it one of the platform’s most criticized design flaws.

The FN M-249 serves as a squad automatic weapon, providing sustained suppressive fire to support infantry movement. It bridges the gap between individual rifles and heavier machine guns, enhancing squad-level firepower and tactical flexibility during engagements.

NATO standardization ensures ammunition and equipment compatibility among allied forces. This allows shared logistics, simplified resupply, and operational efficiency during coalition operations. Standardization is essential for multinational military coordination.

Glock frames are constructed from polymer, reducing weight and increasing resistance to corrosion. The material absorbs recoil forces efficiently and contributes to the pistol’s durability and longevity under harsh environmental conditions.

Rifling stabilizes a projectile by imparting spin as it travels through the barrel. This gyroscopic stabilization improves accuracy, consistency, and effective range compared to smoothbore barrels.

The AK-47 was finalized near the end of World War II after extensive battlefield testing influenced its final design. Soviet experiences during the war highlighted the need for a durable, simple, and reliable infantry rifle. Although it became iconic during later conflicts, its development timeline clearly places its completion during World War II rather than Korea or Vietnam.

The FN P-90 features two integrated iron sights along with the mounted EOTech XPS3 optic. This combination provides redundancy, allowing continued operation if the electronic optic fails. The presence of multiple sighting systems enhances reliability and flexibility in combat or duty environments, totaling three available aiming options.

USP stands for Universal Service Pistol, reflecting Heckler & Koch’s intention to create a versatile handgun suitable for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. The platform supports multiple trigger variants, calibers, and safety configurations, making it adaptable to a wide range of operational requirements and user preferences.

The G-3 rifle uses a roller-delayed blowback operating system, which delays bolt movement using mechanical rollers. This allows safe operation with full-power rifle cartridges without a gas system. The design simplifies construction and enhances reliability while maintaining accuracy under sustained fire.

No fully automatic FN Five-seveN variant exists. All known versions are semi-automatic, designed for controlled fire and civilian or service use. While the cartridge and platform are sometimes associated with high-capacity roles, automatic fire was never implemented in production models.

The IMI Galil trigger system draws design influence from the M-1 Garand. This heritage contributes to its durability and consistent trigger behavior. Although the Galil incorporates AK-based elements elsewhere, the fire-control group reflects earlier Western firearm engineering principles.

Headspace refers to the distance between the bolt face and a specific point in the chamber. Proper headspace ensures safe cartridge seating and firing. Incorrect headspace can cause malfunctions or catastrophic firearm failure.