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
The intent of the California Legislature in enacting the FSC law is to ensure that persons who obtain firearms have a basic familiarity with those firearms, including but not limited to, the safe handling and storage of those firearms. It is not the intent of the Legislature to require an FSC for the mere possession of a firearm. (Pen. Code, § 31610.) Firearms must be handled responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by children and other unauthorized users. California has strict laws pertaining to firearms, and you can be fined or imprisoned if you fail to comply with them. Visit the Web site of the California Attorney General at https://oag.ca.gov/firearms for information on firearms laws applicable to you and how you can comply.
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 requirement 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; Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit holders; and • Persons who have completed Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)(Pen. Code, § 832) firearms training.
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) 210-2300. You are required to provide documentation of your exemption to the firearms dealer each time you acquire a firearm.
