What Chapter 5 covers
Chapter 5 is short, but it's easy points on the FSC test if you know one definition exactly. A straw purchase is buying a firearm either
- for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or
- for someone who doesn't want their name associated with the transaction.
The second part catches many test-takers. A straw purchase doesn't need to involve a prohibited person. Buying a firearm for someone who is legally allowed to own one, but wants to stay off the paperwork, is still a straw purchase. How the money is handled doesn't change that either: if the firearm is really for someone else, it's a straw purchase whether they pay you back or not.
Penalties. A straw purchase is a federal crime, and buying a firearm for a prohibited person is also a California crime. The guide cites a possible felony sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Related federal offenses the chapter lists:
- Making a false statement on a firearm purchase application about a material fact, such as who will actually end up with the firearm. This is often called "lying and buying."
- Knowingly transferring a firearm to someone federal law prohibits from possessing one.
California's transfer rule. It's also a California violation for someone who isn't a licensed dealer to transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person without going through a licensed dealer. That rule links to Chapter 6, which covers private party transfers through a dealer (DROS, the 10-day wait and the dealer fee) and the narrow exemptions, such as transfers between immediate family members.
The guide's advice is simple: never buy a firearm for someone who is prohibited or otherwise unable to buy one themselves. On the test, expect scenario questions such as a friend offering to pay you back, or a relative who "just doesn't want the paperwork." Ask yourself who the firearm is really for.
Chapter 5 practice questions
Tap an answer to check it.
1. What is a straw purchase?
- A Purchasing a firearm at a gun show
- B Buying a firearm for someone prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction
- C Buying ammunition in bulk to resell
- D Buying a firearm and returning it the same day
Show answer
B. Buying a firearm for someone prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction
A straw purchase is buying a firearm for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or buying a firearm for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the transaction. Study guide p. 30
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