djvu Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide: 2025

Introduction

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 31615, a person shall not purchase or receive any firearm (except an antique) without a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), unless they are statutorily exempt from the FSC requirement. Further, no person shall sell, deliver, loan, or transfer any firearm (except an antique) to any person who does not have a valid FSC.

To obtain an FSC, a person must pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) written test on firearm safety. Testing is conducted by DOJ Certified Instructors and is generally available through licensed firearms dealers.

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 firearms.

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.

• Introduction

• Why Firearm Safety?

• Firearm Safety is the Law

• Firearm Safety Certificate Information

• Causes of Firearm Accidents

• Preventing Misuse Tragedies

• Reasons for and Risks of Owning a Firearm

• Becoming a Safe and Responsible Firearm Owner

• Chapter 1: Firearm Safety Rules

• The Six Basic Firearm Safety Rules

• Additional Safety Points

• Chapter 2: Firearms and Children

• Firearm Owner Responsibility

• Rules For Kids

• Chapter 3: Firearm Operation and Safe Handling

• Safe Handling Demonstration

• Revolver Parts and Operation

• Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling

• Single-Action Revolver Safe Handling

• Semiautomatic Pistol Parts and Operation

• Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling

• Long Gun Safe Handling

• Ammunition

• Physics of Gunfire

• Firearm and Ammunition Calibers

• Dangerous Range

• Malfunctions

• Chapter 4: Firearm Ownership

• Understand the Safety Aspects of Your Firearm

• Carefully Read All Instructional Material

• Enroll in a Firearm Training Course

• Cleaning and Repair

• Safety and Storage Devices

• Methods of Childproofing

• Chapter 5: Prohibited Firearms Transfers and Straw Purchases

• Chapter 6: Firearms Laws

• Introduction to the Laws

• Sales and Transfers of Firearms

• New California Resident Requirement

• Privately Manufactured Firearms

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon

• Firearms Aboard Common Carriers

• Firearms in the Home, Business, or at the Campsite

• The Use of Lethal Force in Self-Defense

• Loaded Firearms in Public

• Large-Capacity Magazines

• Firearm Storage During Prohibition

• Miscellaneous Prohibited Acts

• Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms

• Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary