California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

For a firearm to be considered 'safe' by California standards, which of the following must be true?

1. It must pass a drop test

2. It must have a magazine disconnect mechanism

3. It must have a chamber load indicator

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A firearm is considered 'safe' by California standards when it meets certain criteria designed to prevent accidental discharges and enhance the overall safety of use. The requirement that it must pass a drop test ensures that the firearm will not discharge if dropped. This is crucial in preventing unintended injury in the event of an accident. Additionally, having a magazine disconnect mechanism adds another layer of safety by allowing the firearm to be disabled and preventing it from firing when the magazine is removed. This feature is especially useful during cleaning and maintenance, reducing the risk of accidental discharge. Furthermore, a chamber load indicator provides a visual or tactile cue indicating whether there is a round in the chamber. This feature enhances the user's awareness of the firearm's status, allowing for safer handling practices. As all of these safety features contribute significantly to the overall safety of the firearm, meeting all these standards concurrently is required for a firearm to be classified as 'safe' under California law. Thus, all of those criteria must be satisfied for the firearm to align with safety regulations.