California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a safe practice when handling a firearm?

1. Keeping your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot

2. Pointing the firearm's muzzle in a safe direction at all times

3. Checking if the firearm is loaded only when you use it

4. Storing the firearm with the safety off

The correct answer is: Pointing the firearm's muzzle in a safe direction at all times

Pointing the firearm's muzzle in a safe direction at all times is indeed a fundamental safety practice in firearm handling. Maintaining this discipline is essential because it minimizes the risk of accidentally discharging the firearm in a direction where it could cause injury to yourself or others. This practice ensures that even in the event of an accidental discharge, the bullet will not hit someone or something that could lead to harm. The other practices highlighted are unsafe and contravene standard safety protocols. Keeping your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot increases the risk of inadvertent discharge. Checking if a firearm is loaded only when you intend to use it overlooks the importance of always being aware of a firearm's status from the moment it is handled. Storing a firearm with the safety off creates unnecessary risk, as it can lead to accidental discharges when the firearm is manipulated or accessed.