FSC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FSC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the risk of storing a loaded firearm in a vehicle? → Theft is common; a loaded stolen firearm is immediately dangerous and fuels crime
2. One benefit of having a gun safe is that: → It completely prevents a firearm from being moved or handled
3. What is the best way to become skilled in using and understanding how your firearm operates? → Enroll in a 'hands-on' training course
4. What are lock boxes generally made of? → Sturdy, high-grade metal
5. What should a shooter do with spent brass (empty casings) after finishing a shooting session? → Follow the specific range's brass policy, as rules vary by facility
6. At what minimum age may a person purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer in California? → 21
7. Trigger discipline refers to: → Keeping your finger off the trigger while handling the firearm
8. How can you reduce the risk of a firearm discharge accident? → Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
9. When high-powered firearms are being fired, hearing protection should always be used. → Yes
10. Storage of weapons and ammo is recommended: → Separately from each other
11. Choose the safest backstop while shooting targets. → A tall berm, hill, or mound of earth
12. What is the primary purpose of a detachable magazine in a semi-automatic pistol? → To store cartridges and feed them into the chamber
13. What are two common types of locking mechanisms for storage containers? → Trigger locks and cable locks
14. What type of firearm action both cocks the hammer and releases it with a single pull of the trigger? → Double-Action
15. What is a single unit of ammunition made up of case, primer, propellant and bullet? → Cartridge
16. What does it mean to treat a gun as if it is loaded? → Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded.
17. Which category of person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under California law? → A convicted felon
18. Which one of the following storage techniques is NOT secure? → Keeping all ammunition inside a locked container with the firearm
19. In the end, who is in charge of making sure that children cannot get a firearm? → The owner of the firearm
20. Which parts of a semi-automatic pistol typically require lubrication during routine cleaning? → The slide rails, barrel exterior, and trigger group contact points
21. When should a firearm ideally be cleaned? → After each use and before long-term storage
22. For the purposes of California transport law, when is a firearm considered 'unloaded'? → When no cartridges are in the chamber or magazine attached to the firearm
23. Who is eligible to buy a firearm in California? → A California resident 21 years of age or older
24. How should corroded, damaged, or questionable ammunition be handled? → Dispose of it safely according to local regulations — do not attempt to fire it
25. In California, what is the mandatory waiting period before a buyer can take possession of a purchased firearm? → 10 days
26. Cable locks and trigger locks are both types of: → Firearm safety devices
27. Which laws should a firearm owner be aware of regarding children and firearms? → Safe storage laws
28. Under California law, what qualifies as a 'locked container' for transporting a firearm? → A fully enclosed, locked container — not the glove box or utility compartment
29. Which of the following is considered an unlawful use of a firearm in California? → Firing a warning shot in the air in a populated area
30. Which of the following is recognized as one of the universal rules of firearm safety? → Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded