Chapter 1: Firearm Safety Rules

What Chapter 1 covers

Chapter 1 of the DOJ study guide is the foundation of the whole FSC test. It sets out six basic firearm safety rules, and a big share of questions across the exam reduce to one of them.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Assume it's loaded even if you think it isn't, and check that it's unloaded every time you handle it. If you don't know how to check, leave it alone and get help from someone who does.
• Keep the firearm pointed in the safest possible direction. A "safe direction" isn't a fixed compass point. It's wherever an accidental discharge wouldn't cause injury or damage, given your surroundings.
• Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you're ready to shoot. The guide puts it simply: the trigger is for firing, the handle is for handling. Stumbling, falling or being startled by a loud noise can all tighten your grip without you meaning to.
• Know your target and what's beyond it. Never shoot at a movement, color, sound or shape you can't identify. Bullets can miss or pass straight through a target.
• Know how to operate your firearm properly, including how to load it, unload it and clear a malfunction. What's true of one make or model isn't necessarily true of another.
• Store firearms safely and securely, with ammunition stored separately. A California-approved safety device plus a locked container gives the most protection.

The chapter also covers everyday judgment. Never handle a firearm while angry or depressed, or after alcohol, drugs, or medication that warns against operating machinery. Never fire into the air in celebration, and never shoot at water or at flat, hard surfaces, where bullets ricochet. Wear hearing and eye protection when shooting. Only hand over or accept a firearm once it's confirmed unloaded with the action open.

The idea running through the chapter is that knowing the rules isn't enough. They have to be followed every time, by everyone in the household. On the test, expect straightforward recall questions such as "what is rule two?" and scenario questions that ask which rule a given situation breaks.

Chapter 1 practice questions

Tap an answer to check it.

1. What is the first of the six basic firearm safety rules?

1. A Treat all firearms as if they are loaded
2. B Store ammunition separately from the firearm
3. C Never load a firearm indoors
4. D Always engage the safety before handling

Show answer

A. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded

Rule one is to treat all firearms as if they are loaded — always assume a firearm is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Study guide p. 4

2. Where should your trigger finger rest until you are ready to shoot?

1. A Off the trigger and outside the trigger guard
2. B On the trigger, but only if the safety is engaged
3. C Wherever is most comfortable
4. D Resting lightly on the trigger

Show answer

A. Off the trigger and outside the trigger guard

Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though resting your finger on the trigger may feel comfortable, it is unsafe. Study guide p. 4

Other chapters

1. Chapter 1: Firearm Safety Rules
2. Chapter 2: Firearms and Children
3. Chapter 3: Firearm Operation and Safe Handling
4. Chapter 4: Firearm Ownership
5. Chapter 5: Prohibited Transfers and Straw Purchases
6. Chapter 6: Firearms Laws

Or see all sample questions on one page.