CA-FSC FSC Knowledge 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process in California?
- To set the price of firearms sold in California
- To conduct background checks and record all firearm transfers (Correct answer)
- To register firearms stolen in California
- To issue Firearm Safety Certificates to buyers
Correct answer: To conduct background checks and record all firearm transfers
The DROS process initiates a background check through the California Department of Justice and records every firearm transfer.
Question 2: Which of the following people is PROHIBITED from owning or possessing a firearm in California?
- A person with a misdemeanor speeding conviction
- A person convicted of a felony (Correct answer)
- A person who has never applied for a firearms license
- A resident of another state temporarily visiting
Correct answer: A person convicted of a felony
Under both California and federal law, persons convicted of a felony are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Question 3: What does 'keeping your finger off the trigger' accomplish?
- It prevents the firearm from firing accidentally until you are ready to shoot (Correct answer)
- It engages the manual safety
- It unloads the chamber
- It reduces recoil
Correct answer: It prevents the firearm from firing accidentally until you are ready to shoot
Keeping your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard prevents accidental discharge until you have made the decision to fire.
Question 4: A Firearm Safety Certificate is NOT required in California when:
- Purchasing a handgun from a private party
- Purchasing a long gun from a licensed dealer
- Receiving a firearm as a gift from a parent (Correct answer)
- Purchasing any firearm from a licensed dealer
Correct answer: Receiving a firearm as a gift from a parent
Certain intra-familial transfers, such as a parent giving a firearm to an adult child, are exempt from the FSC requirement.
Question 5: Which of the following is a recognized cause of unintentional firearm discharge?
- Storing ammunition separately from the firearm
- Dropping a firearm without a drop-safety feature (Correct answer)
- Using the correct caliber of ammunition
- Keeping the firearm in a locked safe
Correct answer: Dropping a firearm without a drop-safety feature
Dropping a firearm can cause it to discharge if it lacks a drop-safety mechanism, making careful handling essential.
Question 6: Under California law, private party transfers of firearms must be conducted:
- Directly between the buyer and seller with a bill of sale
- Through a licensed firearms dealer (Correct answer)
- At a police station with an officer present
- Through a notarized transfer agreement
Correct answer: Through a licensed firearms dealer
California requires all private party firearm transfers to be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer who performs the DROS background check.
Question 7: What is the correct response if you are not sure whether a firearm is loaded?
- Assume it is unloaded unless proven otherwise
- Treat it as loaded and verify its condition safely (Correct answer)
- Ask the previous handler
- Attempt to fire it in a safe direction to check
Correct answer: Treat it as loaded and verify its condition safely
You must always treat every firearm as if it is loaded and then verify its actual condition through a safe, deliberate inspection.
CA-FSC FSC Knowledge 3
What is the purpose of the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process in California?