California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

Keeping your finger off the gun trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are actually ready to shoot is a fundamental safety rule in firearm handling. This practice minimizes the risk of unintentional discharge, promoting safety for yourself and others around you. By only placing your finger on the trigger when you have made the conscious decision to shoot, you significantly reduce the chances of an accident occurring, which is critical in handling firearms responsibly.

While it's important to maintain this practice after shooting, during cleaning, and even when aiming at a target, the primary focus of the question is on the moment leading up to firing, where following this rule protects against misuse of the firearm.