California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

What is the primary rule to follow when picking up a firearm?

1. Immediately check if the firearm is loaded

2. Point the gun in the air to avoid accidental injury

3. Pull the trigger to ensure it's not loaded

4. Aim it towards a safe direction and check the safety

The correct answer is: Immediately check if the firearm is loaded

The primary rule to follow when picking up a firearm is to immediately check if the firearm is loaded. This fundamental safety practice helps ensure the safety of everyone nearby. Before handling any firearm, determining its status is crucial because an unloaded firearm is inherently safer to handle. This check should always be the first action taken to prevent unintentional discharges and accidents, which can lead to serious injury or death. The other options may seem practical but do not prioritize safety as effectively. Pointing the gun in the air could potentially be dangerous, as it does not guarantee that the firearm is safe to handle—it just shifts the risk. Pulling the trigger to check if it's unloaded is hazardous because it could cause an accidental discharge if the firearm is indeed loaded. Aiming at a safe direction and checking the safety does not replace the need to verify whether the firearm is loaded first. Thus, immediately checking the status of the firearm is the most critical step in ensuring safety when handling firearms.