Chapter 6: Firearms Laws

What Chapter 6 covers

Chapter 6 covers the California firearms laws a buyer and owner has to know. It's broad, and it's where many of the numbers on the FSC test come from.

Buying a firearm. Every retail sale goes through a Dealers' Record of Sale (DROS) and a mandatory 10-day waiting period, during which DOJ runs an eligibility background check. Buyers generally must be 21 or older (with exceptions) and California residents with a DMV-issued license or ID. Handgun buyers also need proof of residency, such as a utility bill from the last three months, a lease, a deed or military orders. Dealers can only sell handguns listed on DOJ's roster of certified handguns.

Private party and family transfers. Private sales generally have to go through a licensed dealer, who holds the firearm for the 10-day wait and can charge up to $10 per firearm on top of state fees. The intra-familial exemption covers only parent and child or grandparent and grandchild, not siblings, cousins or uncles. The recipient has to report the transfer to DOJ within 30 days and must still meet the FSC requirement.

The FSC itself. You pass with at least 75%. The certificate is valid for five years, costs $25, and a replacement from the issuing instructor costs $5. Tests are given by DOJ Certified Instructors, usually at gun stores. Exemptions include qualifying military members, CCW holders and POST-trained officers, and you have to show your exemption documentation every time you buy.

Carrying and transporting. Carrying a concealed handgun requires a license issued by a sheriff or police chief. Carrying a loaded firearm in public in an incorporated city is generally illegal, and so is openly carrying an unloaded handgun there. To transport a handgun, keep it unloaded and locked in the trunk or in a locked container that isn't the glove compartment. At home, including a temporary residence or campsite, you may keep a firearm loaded or unloaded.

Self-defense. You may use only the force a reasonable person would believe necessary. Deadly force is justified only to prevent imminent death or great bodily injury, and the right ends once the threat does.

Other rules the test covers: new residents must report firearms within 60 days ($19 fee); self-made firearms need a DOJ serial number; large-capacity magazines are restricted; felons are prohibited for life; GVRO and DVRO subjects must give up their firearms within 24 hours.

Chapter 6 practice questions

Tap an answer to check it.

1. After a dealer submits the DROS, how long is the mandatory waiting period before the firearm can be delivered?

1. A 30 days
2. B 10 days
3. C 3 days
4. D 24 hours

Show answer

B. 10 days

There is a mandatory 10-day waiting period before the firearms dealer can deliver the firearm to the purchaser. Study guide p. 31

2. To obtain an FSC, you must score at least:

1. A 90%
2. B 75% on the written test
3. C 60%
4. D 50%

Show answer

B. 75% on the written test

To obtain an FSC you must score at least 75% on an objective written test pertaining to firearms laws and safety requirements. Study guide p. 32

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.