Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Handguns
Questions and answers
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How many chambers does a revolver cylinder usually have?
Five or six
A revolver has a rotating cylinder that usually contains five or six chambers.
Chapter 3 · How a Revolver Works ↗ -
What does the trigger do on a single-action revolver?
It only releases the hammer
On a single-action revolver the trigger has one function, which is to release the hammer.
Chapter 3 · How a Revolver Works ↗ -
What does the trigger do on a double-action revolver?
It cocks the hammer and releases it
The double-action trigger has two functions: cocking the hammer and releasing it.
Chapter 3 · How a Revolver Works ↗ -
Does spinning a revolver’s cylinder to an empty chamber make it safe?
No, the cylinder rotates to the next chamber before the hammer falls
Spinning to an empty chamber does not unload a revolver or make it safe.
Chapter 3 · Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling ↗ -
After opening the cylinder of a double-action revolver, how do you confirm it is unloaded?
Visually and physically inspect each chamber
Every chamber is checked both by looking and by touch.
Chapter 3 · Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling ↗ -
What do you open on a single-action revolver to inspect the chambers?
The loading gate
On a single-action revolver the loading gate is opened and each chamber is inspected.
Chapter 3 · Single-Action Revolver Safe Handling ↗ -
How many chambers does a semiautomatic pistol have?
One
A semiautomatic pistol has a single chamber. Cartridges are fed into it from the magazine.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
What is the primary difference between a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol?
How the ammunition is held
A revolver holds ammunition in a cylinder. A semiautomatic pistol holds it in a magazine.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
What is a magazine?
A separate metal boxlike container into which cartridges are loaded
The magazine is usually located within the grip and is released by a button or catch.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
Can you rely on a pistol’s safety to prevent an accidental discharge?
No, it is not foolproof and is only an additional safety measure
A safety is designed to prevent firing when engaged, but it can fail, so the basic rules still apply.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
Why should you never pull the trigger with the safety in the “safe” position?
The firearm could later fire at any time without the trigger being touched
After the trigger has been pulled on “safe”, the firearm could fire at any time.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
What can happen if a firearm is dropped?
It may land hard enough to fire without the trigger being touched
A hard landing can activate the firing mechanism.
Chapter 3 · How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works ↗ -
The magazine has been removed from a semiautomatic pistol. Is the pistol unloaded?
Not necessarily, a cartridge may still be in the chamber
Never assume a pistol is unloaded just because the magazine is out. The chamber must be checked.
Chapter 3 · Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling ↗ -
When unloading a semiautomatic pistol, what do you do after pointing it in a safe direction and removing the magazine?
Fully retract the slide, lock it to the rear and check the chamber
The magazine comes out first. Then the slide is pulled fully back and locked, and the receiver and chamber are checked for ammunition.
Chapter 3 · Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling ↗ -
What is the muzzle of a firearm?
The front end of the barrel, where the bullet exits
The muzzle is the front end of the barrel.
Glossary · Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary ↗