The test is administered by DOJ Certified Instructors, who are often located at firearms dealerships. This study guide provides the basic firearm safety information.
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P a c e Firearm safety is the law in California. Every firearm owner should understand and follow firearm safety practices, have a basic familiarity with the operation and handling of their firearm, and be fully aware of the responsibility of firearm ownership. Pursuant to Penal Code section 26840, any person who acquires a firearm must have a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), unless they are statutorily exempt from the FSC requirement. To obtain an FSC, a person must pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) written test on firearm safety. The test is administered by DOJ Certified Instructors, who are often located at firearms dealerships. This study guide provides the basic firearm safety information necessary to pass the test. Following the firearm safety information in this guide will help reduce the potential for accidental deaths and injuries, particularly those involving children, caused by the unsafe handling and storing of firearm s. In addition to safety information, this study guide provides a general summary of the state laws that govern the sale and use of firearms. Finally, there is a glossary that defines the more technical terms used in the study guide. Simply reading this study guide will not make you a safe firearm owner. To be a safe firearm owner you must practice the firearm safety procedures described in the following pages.
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Table of Contents Preface Introduction Why Firearm Safety? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Firearm Safety is the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Firearm Safety Certificate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Causes of Firearm Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Preventing Misuse Tragedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Becoming a Safe and Responsible Firearm Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 1: Gun Safety Rules The Six Basic Gun Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Additional Safety Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Chapter 1: Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Chapter 2: Firearms and Children Firearm Owner Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children . . . . . . . . . . . .8 You Cannot Be Too Careful With Children and Guns . . . . . . . . . . .8 Talking to Children About Guns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Instill a Mind Set of Safety and Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rules for Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Chapter 2: Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Chapter 3: Firearm Operation and Safe Handling Safe Handling Demonstration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Revolver Parts and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 How a Revolver Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Single-Action Revolver Safe Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Semiautomatic Pistol Parts and Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Long Gun Safe Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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Ammunition Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Components of a Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Physics of Gunfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Firearm and Ammunition Calibers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Dangerous Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Malfunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Chapter 3: Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Chapter 4: Firearm Ownership Understand the Safety Aspects of Your Firearm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Carefully Read All Instructional Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Enroll in a Firearm Training Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Cleaning and Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Safety and Storage Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Methods of Childproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chapter 4: Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Prohibited Firearms Transfers and Straw Purchases . . . . 34 Chapter 5: Firearms Laws Introduction to the Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Sales and Transfers of Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 New California Resident Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Carrying a Concealed Weapon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Firearms Aboard Common Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Firearms in the Home, Business or at the Campsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Use of Lethal Force in Self-Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Loaded Firearms in Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Large-Capacity Magazines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Firearm Storage During Prohibition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Miscellaneous Prohibited Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Chapter 5: Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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Intr oduction WHY FIREARM SAFETY? Firearm safety is important to all Californians. No one wants firearm accidents to happen yet they do every day. Firearm accidents involving children are especially disturbing. Studies show that easy access to loaded firearms in homes is often a contributing factor in accidental shootings of children. While there may be no way to guarantee safety, firearm owners can take steps to help prevent many accidental shootings. This study guide will give you valuable information to help you become a safe and responsible firearm owner. FIREARM SAFETY IS THE LAW Th e intent o f th e Californ ia Legislatur e in enactin g the FSC la w is to ensur e that person s wh o ob tain firear ms hav e a basic familiarit y wit h thos e firearms , including but not lim ited to, the saf e handlin g an d storag e of thos e firearms . It is not th e inten t of the Legislature to require an FSC for the mere possession of a firearm. (Pen. Code, § 31610.) FIREARM SAFETY CERTIFICATE INFORMATION To obtain an FSC, you must take the DOJ written test and receive a passing score of at least 75% (the information needed to pass the test is contained in this study guide). An FSC is valid for five years from the date of issuance. If your FSC is lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement may be obtained from the DOJ Certified Instructor who issued your original FSC. Pursuant to Penal Code section 31700, there are exemptions from the FSC requ irement including, but not limited to: 1 Federal Firearms License Collectors with a Certificate of Eligibility (for Curio and Relic transactions only); Active, active reserve, or honorably retired military;
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For a complete list of exemptions visit the DOJ website at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms or contact the DOJ Bureau of Firearms, General Information Line at (916) 2 -. You are requir ed to provid e documentatio n of you r exemptio n to the firearm s dea ler each tim e you acquir e a firearm. E HANDLING DEMONSTRATION CAUSE S OF FIREAR M ACCIDENTS Ignoran ce an d carelessn ess are majo r causes o f firear m accidents . To help redu ce the numb er of firear m accidents , it is cr itical that gu n safet y rule s are understoo d and prac ticed at all time s by ever y famil y member. Followin g are som e example s of firear m acciden ts th at cou ld hav e bee n avoid ed if the basic gu n safet y rule s had bee n practiced: Two young children playing in their home found a loaded handgun with the magazine removed on a bedside table. One child was injured when the ha ndgun was fired. A handgun owner assumed a firearm was unloaded. While cleaning it, he acc identally fired the handgun, causing injury to himself. A hunter was walking with his finger loosely on the trigger of his rifle. Distr acted by a sudden noise behind him, he turned and accidentally fired, injuring his buddy walking nearby. Knowing th e safety rules and applying them most of th e tim e is not enough. Firearm accidents can happen even to a person who knows th e safety rules, but is careless in following them. For example, you may think you can leav e your loaded firearm out on the kitchen tab le jus t for a momen t wh ile you go outsid e to turn off th e garden hose. Although you know you should never leav e a firearm wher e a child may find it, you carelessly think REMEMBER: Ignorance and carelessness can result in firearm accidents. B asic gun safety ru les must b e applied ALL OF THE TIME. PREVENTING MISUSE TRAGEDIES a fact that many depressed, intoxicated, substance abusive, or enraged individuals commit suicide every year with firearms, usually handguns. The developmental issues associated with adolescence make teenagers particularly susceptible to this unfortunate outcome. Safe and responsible firearm storage , particularly when a member of the household is experiencing one of the aforementioned conditions, can help prevent tragedies. 2 Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit holders; and Persons who have completed Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)(Pen. Code, § 832) firearms training.
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CHAPTER 1 Gun Safety Rules This chapter will introduce you to specific gun safety rules to give you a better understanding of firearm safety. THE SIX BASIC GUN SAFETY RULES There are six basic gun safety rules for gun owners to understand and practice at all times: 1.Treat all guns as if they are loaded. 2.Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. 3.Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 4.Know your target, its surroundings, and beyond. 5.Know how to properly operate your gun. 6.Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. 1.Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. For specific instructions on how to unload a firearm, see Chapter 3. If you are unable to check a gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns. 2.Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. Always be aware of where the gun is pointing. A where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object that you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person. 3.Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you a re ready to shoot. 4
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Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The trigger is for firing, the handle is for handling. 4.Know your target, its surroundings, and beyond. Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you are in Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot. 5.Know how to properly operate your gun. It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly. 6.Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. Even when the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store your gun unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container. 5
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ADDITIONAL SAFETY POINTS The six basic safety rules are the foundational rules for gun safety. However, there are additional safety points which must not be overlooked: Never handle a gun when you are in an emotional state such as anger or depression. Your judgment may be impaired. Never shoot a gun in celebration (such as on the Fourth of July or New Eve, for example). Not only is this unsafe, but it is generally illegal. A bullet fired into the air can return to the ground with enough speed to cause injury or death. Do not shoot at water, flat or hard surfaces. The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something other than the target. Hand your gun to someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open. Take a gun from someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open. judgment as well as physical coordination. Alcohol and any other substances are likely to impair normal mental or physical functions and should not be used before or while handling guns. Avoid handling and using your gun when you are taking medications that cause drowsiness or include a warning to not operate machinery while taking the drug. The loud noise from a fired gun can cause hearing damage, and the debris and hot gas that is often emitted can result in eye injury. Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting a gun. 6
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CHAPTER 1: Self Test 1.A safe practice when handling agun is to rest your finger on the outside of the trigger guard or along the side of the gun until you are ready to shoot. (page 4)True False 2.To ow your target, it ssurroundings and bey youmust consider that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. (page 5 )True False 3.Drinking alcohol while handling firearms is safe if your blood alcohol l evel remains below the legal limit. (page 6 )True False 4.Which of the following safet ypoints should y ou remember when handling a gun? (page 6 )A.N ever shoot a gun in celebr ation.B.Do not fire at water ,flat or hard surfaces .C.W ear ear and eyepr otection when shooting a gun.D.All of the above.5.As a safety measure, your firearm should always be pointed :(page 4 )A.To the north. B.In the safest possible direction. C. Up.D.Do wn. 6.One of the safety rules is to knowhow to properly: (page 5 )A.Clear a malfunction. B.Operate your gun.C.Load your gun. D.Clean your gun. 7
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