California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

When storing a firearm, what is the recommended procedure regarding ammunition?

1. Store it in the same lock box as the firearm

2. Keep it loaded for emergencies

3. Store it separately in a locked location

4. Keep it on top of the firearm for easy access

The correct answer is: Store it separately in a locked location

The recommended procedure when storing a firearm is to keep the ammunition stored separately in a locked location. This practice is vital for enhancing safety, particularly in preventing unauthorized access, especially by children or untrained individuals. By storing ammunition away from the firearm, the risk of accidental discharge is significantly reduced, as it adds an additional step before the firearm can be used. In a safe storage environment, both the firearm and ammunition should be secured, but maintaining separation heightens safety protocols. This method ensures that even if someone were to access the firearm, they would not have immediate access to ammunition, which can be crucial in preventing accidents.