Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Safety rules
Questions and answers
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How many basic firearm safety rules does the study guide list?
Six
The guide sets out six basic firearm safety rules that every owner should understand and always practice.
Chapter 1 · The Six Basic Firearm Safety Rules ↗ -
You believe a firearm is unloaded. How should you treat it?
As if it is loaded
Always assume a firearm is loaded, even when you think it is not.
Chapter 1 · Treat all firearms as if they are loaded ↗ -
When should you check that a firearm is unloaded?
Every time it is handled, for any reason
A firearm is checked every time it is handled, whatever the reason.
Chapter 1 · Treat all firearms as if they are loaded ↗ -
You are not able to check whether a firearm is unloaded. What should you do?
Leave it alone and get help from someone who knows firearms better
If you cannot check it yourself, do not handle it. Ask someone more knowledgeable.
Chapter 1 · Treat all firearms as if they are loaded ↗ -
What makes a direction a “safe direction” for a firearm to point?
An accidental discharge there would not cause injury or damage
A safe direction is one where an unintended shot would hurt no one and damage nothing.
Chapter 1 · Keep the firearm pointed in the safest possible direction ↗ -
Where should your trigger finger be until you are ready to shoot?
Off the trigger and outside the trigger guard
The finger stays off the trigger and outside the guard until the moment you are ready to shoot.
Chapter 1 · Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot ↗ -
Why can a sudden loud noise lead to an accidental discharge when a finger is on the trigger?
People naturally tighten their muscles when startled
A startled person tends to tense up, and a tensed finger can pull the trigger.
Chapter 1 · Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot ↗ -
What should you check about your target area before shooting?
That the areas in front of and behind the target are safe
A bullet can miss or pass through the target, so the space in front of it and behind it must be safe.
Chapter 1 · Know your target, its surroundings, and beyond ↗ -
You notice only a movement or a shape you cannot identify. May you fire at it?
No, never
Never fire at something that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape.
Chapter 1 · Know your target, its surroundings, and beyond ↗ -
For maximum safety, how should a firearm be stored?
With both a locking device and a storage container
The guide recommends using a locking device and a locked storage container together.
Chapter 1 · Store your firearm safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use ↗ -
Why should you not handle a firearm when you are angry or depressed?
Your judgment may be impaired
Strong emotions can impair judgment, so a firearm should not be handled in that state.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
What can happen to a bullet fired into the air in celebration?
It can come back down fast enough to injure or kill
A bullet fired upward can return to the ground with enough speed to cause injury or death. Firing in the air is also generally illegal.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
Why should you not shoot at water or at flat or hard surfaces?
The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something else
A bullet can bounce off these surfaces and strike something other than the target.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
What must you verify before you hand a firearm to another person?
It is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open
A firearm is handed over, or accepted, only once it is confirmed unloaded with the cylinder or action open.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
What does the guide say about alcohol and handling firearms?
Alcohol should not be used before or while handling firearms
Alcohol and drugs affect judgment and coordination, so they should not be used before or during firearm handling.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
What protection should you always wear when shooting a firearm?
Ear and eye protection
The noise can damage hearing and the debris and hot gas can injure the eyes.
Chapter 1 · Additional Safety Points ↗ -
According to the guide, what are major causes of firearm accidents?
Ignorance and carelessness
The guide names ignorance and carelessness as major causes and says the safety rules must be applied all of the time.
Introduction · Causes of Firearm Accidents ↗