Chapter 4: Firearm Ownership

What Chapter 4 covers

Chapter 4 moves from handling to the responsibilities of owning a firearm day to day: choosing one, maintaining it, and above all storing it.

Choosing and learning your firearm. Ask a knowledgeable salesperson about the safety features of any firearm you're considering, read the owner's manual, and take a hands-on training course. The guide compares it to behind-the-wheel training before a driver's license.

Cleaning and maintenance. Clean the barrel after every use and after long storage. Before you start, make sure the firearm is unloaded and there's no ammunition in the cleaning area, and work somewhere without distractions. Some cleaning products are toxic, and shooting and cleaning expose you to lead. Ventilate well, don't eat, drink or smoke while exposed, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Leave repairs to a gunsmith or the manufacturer. Major modifications can be illegal and dangerous, and can void the warranty.

Safety devices and the law. Every firearm sold in California must come with a DOJ-approved firearms safety device, or proof that the buyer owns a DOJ-compliant gun safe. California also requires a firearm in a residence to be secured in a DOJ-approved safety device or safe whenever it isn't being carried by, or kept close to, a lawful authorized user. Violations can bring fines or misdemeanor penalties under Penal Code section 25145.

The test expects you to know how the main devices differ:

• Trigger locks and cable locks stop the firearm from firing, but they don't stop someone picking it up or taking it.
• Lock boxes and gun safes are designed to prevent handling and removal altogether. Safes usually weigh 50 pounds or more, cost the most, and are generally the most secure.
• Any device is only as secure as its key or combination.

Where not to store a firearm. Not on a bedside table, not under a mattress or pillow, not on a closet shelf, not anywhere visible, and not among valuables unless it's locked up. The guide cites research showing that firearms involved in unintentional deaths were usually stored loaded and unlocked, and most often taken from nightstands and sleeping areas. To childproof a firearm, store it unloaded, fitted with a safety device and in a locked container, with ammunition locked up separately.

Chapter 4 practice questions

Tap an answer to check it.

1. How often should a firearm's barrel be cleaned?

1. A After every use
2. B Only before long-term storage
3. C Once a year regardless of use
4. D Only when it visibly jams

Show answer

A. After every use

The barrel should be cleaned after every use. Accumulated moisture, dirt or grease can interfere with the efficient and safe operation of a firearm. Study guide p. 26

2. How does a trigger lock work?

1. A It removes the firing pin
2. B It encases the entire firearm in metal
3. C It is typically a two-piece device that fits around the trigger and trigger guard to prevent access to the trigger
4. D It loops a steel cable through the action

Show answer

C. It is typically a two-piece device that fits around the trigger and trigger guard to prevent access to the trigger

Trigger locks are typically two-piece devices that fit around the trigger and trigger guard to prevent access to the trigger, locked by a key or combination. Study guide p. 27

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.