CA-FSC FSC Ammunition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to store ammunition at home?
- In a locked container in a cool, dry place away from firearms (Correct answer)
- In the same locked safe as the loaded firearm
- In the original box left on a shelf at room temperature near a window
- In a refrigerator to keep it cool and stable
Correct answer: In a locked container in a cool, dry place away from firearms
Ammunition should be stored locked, separate from firearms, in a cool and dry environment to prevent degradation and unauthorized access.
Question 2: Which environmental condition most accelerates ammunition deterioration?
- Low humidity
- Darkness
- High humidity and heat (Correct answer)
- Cold temperatures
Correct answer: High humidity and heat
Heat and moisture are the primary enemies of ammunition, causing corrosion, primer degradation, and powder breakdown that can lead to misfires.
Question 3: You find old, corroded ammunition. You should:
- Try firing it to see if it still works
- Clean it with oil and store it again
- Dispose of it safely according to local regulations (Correct answer)
- Remove the bullets and reuse the cases
Correct answer: Dispose of it safely according to local regulations
Corroded or damaged ammunition should be safely disposed of at a hazardous material site or through a law enforcement amnesty program — never attempt to fire it.
Question 4: Why should you never store ammunition near flammable solvents or cleaning agents?
- The solvents will dissolve the bullet casing
- Heat or sparks from nearby ignition could cause the ammunition to discharge or explode (Correct answer)
- Solvent vapors will reduce bullet velocity
- The chemicals will magnetize the brass cases
Correct answer: Heat or sparks from nearby ignition could cause the ammunition to discharge or explode
Flammable materials create fire and explosion hazards; if ignited near stored ammunition, the heat can cause cartridges to cook off unpredictably.
Question 5: What should you do if a cartridge falls into water?
- Fire it immediately before it corrodes further
- Dry it thoroughly and it is safe to use
- Allow it to air dry in sunlight for 24 hours
- Dispose of it, as water may have compromised the primer or powder (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Dispose of it, as water may have compromised the primer or powder
While modern ammunition is somewhat water-resistant, submersion can compromise the primer or powder, making it unreliable and potentially dangerous to use.
Question 6: When transporting ammunition in a vehicle in California, it should be:
- Loaded in the firearm for quick access
- In a locked container or in the trunk, separate from the firearm (Correct answer)
- In the glove compartment alongside the unloaded firearm
- Taped to the outside of the firearm case
Correct answer: In a locked container or in the trunk, separate from the firearm
California law requires that firearms transported in vehicles be unloaded, and keeping ammunition separate in a locked container or trunk reduces both legal risk and safety hazards.
Question 7: Which statement about storing ammunition near children is correct?
- Locked storage is only required if children under 16 are present
- Ammunition should always be stored in a locked location inaccessible to children, regardless of age (Correct answer)
- Ammunition on a high shelf is sufficiently out of reach
- Only loaded firearms need to be locked away from children
Correct answer: Ammunition should always be stored in a locked location inaccessible to children, regardless of age
California's child access prevention laws require secure storage of both firearms and ammunition to prevent unauthorized access by minors.
CA-FSC FSC Ammunition 3
What is the safest way to store ammunition at home?