Corrections Officer State Certification (SOCE) Practice Exam

The gauge of a shotgun is a measure of the shotgun's bore, which is the diameter of the barrel. This measurement is determined by the number of lead balls that can be made from a pound of lead, which would fit the diameter of the barrel. For example, a 12-gauge shotgun would mean that 12 lead balls, each the diameter of the shotgun’s bore, weigh a pound. This measurement is specific to shotguns and is critical in determining what type of ammunition can be used. Understanding the gauge is essential for ensuring that the proper ammunition is selected for safe and effective use. Other options, while related to shotguns, do not accurately define what the gauge indicates.