Firearm Safety Certificate: Stud Y G Uide
Firearm Safety Certificate: Stud Y G Uide
Firearm Safety
Certificate
STUD Y G UIDE
Office of the Attorney General
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Firearms
June 2020
P r e f a c e
Preface
Introduction
Why Firearm Safety? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Firearm Safety is the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Firearm Safety Certificate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Causes of Firearm Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Preventing Misuse Tragedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Becoming a Safe and Responsible Firearm Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1
• Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit holders; and
• Persons who have completed Peace Officers Standards and Training
(POST)(Pen. Code, § 832) firearms training.
For a complete list of exemptions visit the DOJ website at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms or
contact the DOJ Bureau of Firearms, General Information Line at (916) 210-2300. You are
required to provide documentation of your exemption to the firearms dealer each time you
acquire a firearm.E HANDLING DEMONSTRATION
A hunter was walking with his finger loosely on the trigger of his rifle.
Distracted by a sudden noise behind him, he turned and accidentally fired,
injuring his buddy walking nearby.
Knowing the safety rules and applying them most of the time is not enough. Firearm
accidents can happen even to a person who knows the safety rules, but is careless in
following them. For example, you may think you can leave your loaded firearm out on the
kitchen table just for a moment while you go outside to turn off the garden hose. Although
you know you should never leave a firearm where a child may find it, you carelessly think
it will be alright “just this once.”
REMEMBER: Ignorance and carelessness can result in firearm accidents. Basic gun safety
rules must be applied ALL OF THE TIME.
2
BECOMING A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE FIREARM OWNER
Becoming a safe firearm owner is similar to becoming a safe driver—you combine a
good working knowledge of the equipment, the basic skills of operation, and a mind
set dedicated to safe and responsible usage and storage.
This means you must have:
• Respect for the danger of firearms;
• An awareness and concern about the possible safety hazards related to
firearms; and
• A desire to learn and practice safe conduct with firearms.
Developing a mind set for safe and responsible firearm usage and storage is the first
step in actually becoming a responsible firearm owner. The next step is building
your knowledge of firearms and gun safety, which you can do by reading and
understanding the information in this study guide. The final steps are becoming
skillful in handling firearms and using the safety knowledge that you have acquired.
3
CHAPTER 1
Gun Safety Rules
This chapter will introduce you to specific gun safety rules to give you a better
understanding of firearm safety.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until
you are ready to shoot.
4
• Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it is
unsafe.
• If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble
or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger.
• Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge
because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled.
• The trigger is for firing, the handle is for handling.
5
ADDITIONAL SAFETY POINTS
The six basic safety rules are the foundational rules for gun safety. However, there
are additional safety points which must not be overlooked:
• Never handle a gun when you are in an emotional state such as anger or
depression. Your judgment may be impaired.
• Never shoot a gun in celebration (such as on the Fourth of July or New
Year’s Eve, for example). Not only is this unsafe, but it is generally
illegal. A bullet fired into the air can return to the ground with enough
speed to cause injury or death.
• Do not shoot at water, flat or hard surfaces. The bullet can ricochet and hit
someone or something other than the target.
• Hand your gun to someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the
cylinder or action is open. Take a gun from someone only after you verify
that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
• Guns, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Alcohol and drugs can negatively affect
judgment as well as physical coordination. Alcohol and any other substances
are likely to impair normal mental or physical functions and should not be
used before or while handling guns. Avoid handling and using your gun
when you are taking medications that cause drowsiness or include a warning
to not operate machinery while taking the drug.
• The loud noise from a fired gun can cause hearing damage, and the debris
and hot gas that is often emitted can result in eye injury. Always wear ear
and eye protection when shooting a gun.
6
CHAPTER 1: Self Test
1. A safe practice when handling a 5. As a safety measure, your firearm
gun is to rest your finger on the should always be pointed:
outside of the trigger guard or (page 4 )
along the side of the gun until A. To the north.
you are ready to shoot. (page 4) B. In the safest
True False possible direction.
C. Up.
2. To “know your target, its D. Down.
surroundings and beyond,” you
must consider that if the bullet 6. One of the safety rules is to know
misses or completely passes how to properly: (page 5)
through the target, it could strike
A. Clear a malfunction.
a person or object. (page 5 )
B. Operate your gun.
True False
C. Load your gun.
3. Drinking alcohol while D. Clean your gun.
handling firearms is safe if your
blood alcohol level remains
below the legal limit. (page 6)
True False
7
CHAPTER 2
Firearms and Children
8
Talking to Children about Guns
Children are naturally curious about things they don’t know about or think are
“forbidden.” When a child asks questions or begins to act out “gun play,” you
may want to address his or her curiosity by answering the questions as honestly
and openly as possible. This will remove the mystery and reduce the natural
curiosity. Also, it is important to remember to talk to children in a manner they
can relate to and understand. This is very important, especially when teaching
children about the difference between “real” and “make-believe.” Let children
know that, even though they may look the same, real guns are very different than
toy guns. A real gun will hurt or kill someone who is shot.
1. Stop
The first rule for a child to follow if he/she finds or sees a gun is to stop
what he/she is doing.
2. Don’t Touch!
The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun he/she finds or sees. A child may
think the best thing to do if he/she finds a gun is to pick it up and take it to an
adult. A child needs to know he/she should NEVER touch a gun he/she may find or
see.
9
4. Tell an Adult
The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun he/she has seen.
This includes times when other kids are playing with or shooting a gun.
Please note that, while there is no better advice at this time for children or
adolescents who encounter a gun by happenstance, the California Chapter of
the American College of Emergency Physicians reports that such warnings alone
may be insufficient accident prevention measures with children and adolescents.
10
CHAPTER 2: Self Test
1. Toddlers lack the strength to pull 5. The four safety “Rules for Kids”
the trigger of a firearm. (page 8) if they see a gun are: (page 9)
True False A.
B.
2. You may face misdemeanor or C.
felony charges if you keep a D.
loaded firearm where a child
obtains and improperly uses 6. Child safety precautions
it. (page 8) only apply if you have
True False children. (page 8)
True False
3. There is no such thing as being
too careful with children and
guns. (page 8)
True False
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CHAPTER 3
Firearm Operation
and Safe Handling
The safe handling demonstration shall commence with the firearm unloaded and
locked with the firearm safety device with which it is required to be delivered, if
applicable. While maintaining muzzle awareness (that is, the firearm is pointed in a
safe direction, preferably down at the ground) and trigger discipline (that is, the
trigger finger is outside of the trigger guard and alongside of the firearm frame) at
all times, the firearm recipient shall correctly and safely perform the safe handling
demonstration steps for each firearm type.
12
S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER SAFE HANDLING
barrel cylinder
hammer
cylinder
latch
ejector rod
trigger
trigger guard
grip
13
4. While maintaining muzzle 6. Open the cylinder and eject the
awareness and trigger discipline, round.
load one dummy round into a
chamber of the cylinder and rotate
the cylinder so that the round is in
the next-to-fire position.
NOTE: Simply spinning a revolver to an empty chamber does not unload it or make
it safe. The cylinder rotates to the next chamber before the hammer falls.
14
SINGLE-ACTION REVOLVER SAFE HANDLING
.
barrel cylinder
hammer
grip
15
3. Remove the firearm safety device 6. Visually and physically inspect each
required to be sold with the chamber to ensure that the revolver is
unloaded.
firearm. If the firearm safety
device prevents any of the
previous steps, remove the firearm
safety device during the
appropriate step.
16
SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL PARTS AND OPERATION
cartridge
trigger
trigger
guard magazine
release
grip magazine
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1. Remove the magazine. 4. Remove the firearm safety
device, if applicable. If the firearm
safety device prevents any of the
previous steps, remove the firearm
safety device during the
appropriate step.
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7. Manipulate the slide release or 10. Lock the slide back to eject
pull back and release the slide. the dummy round. If the firearm is
of a model that does not allow the
slide to be locked back, pull the
slide back and physically check the
chamber to ensure that the chamber
is clear.
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Note: If you release the slide before inserting the magazine,
there will NOT be a cartridge in the chamber.
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The demonstration shall commence with the firearm unloaded and locked with the
firearm safety device with which it is required to be delivered, if applicable. While
maintaining muzzle awareness (that is, the firearm is pointed in a safe direction,
preferably down at the ground) and trigger discipline (that is, the trigger finger is
outside of the trigger guard and alongside of the receiver) at all times, the firearms
recipient shall correctly and safely perform the steps identified for each firearm type.
The following safe handling demonstration steps for long guns are generally applicable
to the various firearm models of each firearm “type” (e.g. pump action long gun,
break-top revolver, etc.). However, the specified safe handling demonstration steps
may not be appropriate for a particular model of firearm. If uncertain, refer to the
owner’s manual or consult with a DOJ Certified Instructor.
tubular magazine
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Break-Top Long Gun
Stock hammer breech lock barrel(s)
trigger
trigger guard
trigger
trigger guard
1. Visually and physically inspect the chamber/barrel to ensure the long gun is
unloaded. Also visually and physically inspect the internal magazine to ensure it
is unloaded.
2. Remove the firearm safety device. If the firearm safety device prevents any of the
previous steps, remove the firearm safety device during the appropriate step.
3. While maintaining muzzle awareness and trigger discipline, load one dummy
round into the chamber/barrel.
4. Close and lock the action.
5. Unlock and open the action.
6. Remove the dummy round.
7. Apply the firearm safety device, if applicable.
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Lever Action Long Gun
When handling a lever action firearm with an exposed hammer, please use caution and
consult with a DOJ Certified Instructor for proper handling steps. Use only flat point,
hollow point, round nose flat point, or similar rounds. Never use pointed or conical
point rounds in a center fire rifle with a tubular magazine. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in injury to yourself or others, or cause damage to your firearm.
stock
tubular magazine
trigger
lever
1. Open the breech.
2. Visually and physically inspect the chamber/barrel to ensure the firearm is
unloaded. Visually and physically inspect the magazine follower to ensure the
magazine is unloaded (if the magazine follower is not visible, there may be
cartridges lodged in the tubular magazine).
3. Remove the firearm safety device. If the firearm safety device prevents any of the
previous steps, remove the firearm safety device during the appropriate step.
4. While maintaining muzzle awareness and trigger discipline, load one dummy
round into the chamber/barrel.
5. Close and lock the action.
6. Unlock and open the action.
7. Remove the dummy round.
8. Apply the firearm safety device, if applicable.
23
Semiautomatic Long Gun With a Detachable Magazine
safety
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AMMUNITION
An often overlooked aspect of safe firearm operation is knowing about the
ammunition you use. It is important for you to know which ammunition can be
used safely in your firearm.
Ammunition Components
A firearm cartridge, commonly referred to as a “round,” is a single unit of
ammunition made up of four parts: the case, the primer, the propellant and the
bullet.
Components of a Cartridge
case bullet
primer propellant
(inside of case)
The case is the metal cylinder that is closed at one end and contains the other three
components.
The primer is the impact-sensitive chemical compound used for ignition. The
propellant is a fast-burning chemical compound.
The bullet is the projectile fired from a firearm. It is usually made of lead,
sometimes covered with a layer of copper or other metal and is located at the tip of
the cartridge. People often mistakenly refer to the entire cartridge as a “bullet.”
Actually the bullet is just one part of a cartridge.
PHYSICS OF GUNFIRE
To understand the power of a firearm, it is helpful to know some of the physics of
gunfire. The fall of the hammer causes the primer to ignite the powder, which
burns to produce gases. These rapidly-expanding gases push the bullet through the
barrel and toward the target. The push of gases against the firearm results in what
is called recoil. Some shooters are startled by recoil. Firearms vary in how much
recoil they generate. Anticipation of recoil may cause an inexperienced shooter to
grasp the firearm too tightly or flinch. Shooting a firearm properly minimizes the
negative effects of recoil on the shooter.
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FIREARM AND AMMUNITION CALIBERS
Firearms and ammunition are made in various calibers. Firearm caliber refers to barrel
diameter. Revolvers generally have the caliber information on the barrel.
Semiautomatic pistols generally have the caliber information on the slide. Ammunition
caliber refers to bullet diameter. Ammunition has the caliber information on the box.
Some of the more common calibers are the .22, .45, and 9 mm. You must only use the
caliber of ammunition recommended by the manufacturer of your firearm.
.357 Magnum
9 mm Luger
Just because a cartridge fits your firearm does not necessarily mean the cartridge is safe
to shoot. A firearm may not be able to handle the pressure created by using incorrect
ammunition. This could result in damage to the firearm and possible injury to yourself
or bystanders.
Never shoot ammunition that is old, dirty, corroded or wet, or ammunition that cannot be
fully identified. This could cause a malfunction such as a jam or a misfire, or explosion
of the firearm. Never throw ammunition in the trash. Call your local refuse department
and ask for proper disposal instructions.
Some ammunition is illegal. Your firearms dealer can help you identify the correct and
legal ammunition for your firearm. Purchase your ammunition from an authorized
ammunition dealer only.
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DANGEROUS RANGE
In order to shoot a firearm safely, you need to know not only your target but also the
dangerous range of your ammunition. The dangerous range is the distance that a
bullet can travel. Most ammunition can travel at least a mile, with some having the
capability of traveling MORE than two miles. Therefore, even though you may fire
at a target only a few feet or yards away, your bullet could travel far beyond your
target. As it travels, the potential for damage widens. The importance of the
dangerous range is that you must consider how much farther the bullet can travel
beyond the target because a bullet that misses or passes through a target could strike
a person or object. If you think only of your target and not the dangerous range, you
might mistakenly think someone or something is “too far away” to be in danger.
Another important point to remember is that most ammunition can easily penetrate
the interior walls of a house and still travel some distance before losing its energy.
High velocity or magnum ammunition has even greater penetration and distance
capabilities.
Remember: Once you fire, you are responsible for any damage or injury your
bullet causes.
MALFUNCTIONS
Any machine can malfunction. A firearm is no different. If your firearm
malfunctions, always keep the basic safety rules in mind and do the following:
CAUTION
STOP FIRING!
KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
WAIT TEN SECONDS.
SEEK COMPETENT HELP.
If you are at a range, the usual procedure to follow when a malfunction occurs is to
keep your firearm pointed down range, keep your finger off the trigger and raise
your non-shooting hand until a range official arrives. You have a potentially
dangerous situation!
27
CHAPTER 3: Self Test
1. The importance of the “dangerous 5. After ensuring a double-action
range” is that a bullet can travel revolver is pointed in a safe
far beyond the intended target. direction and with your finger off
(page 27) the trigger, you begin unloading
True False the firearm by: (page 13)
A. Opening the cylinder.
2. The safety on a semiautomatic B. Locking the slide back.
pistol is not foolproof. (page 17) C. Opening the loading gate.
True False D. Pushing the magazine release.
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CHAPTER 4
Firearm Ownership
29
Firearm cleaning kits and materials can be purchased from most firearms dealers. Be
aware that some firearm cleaning substances are toxic. Carefully read and follow the
instructions on the cleaning products.
You should clean your firearm in a location where you will have no distractions. Before
you begin, always make sure your firearm is unloaded and remove any ammunition from
the cleaning area. Accidents can happen if cleaning procedures are not followed
correctly and safely. Therefore, you should follow the cleaning instructions in your
owner’s manual and on your cleaning products. Firearms dealers or gunsmiths also are
good sources for cleaning information.
Care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation at all times to reduce the risk of
inhaling lead particles. To avoid accidental ingestion of lead particles, never handle food
or drink without first washing your hands. Do not smoke when exposed to lead. Wash
your hands thoroughly after exposure.
Periodically inspect all firearms you own to be sure that they are in good working
condition. If you notice any problems, have your firearm checked by a competent
gunsmith. Any repairs should be made only by a gunsmith or the manufacturer of the
firearm. You should not attempt to make any major modifications to your firearm.
Some modifications are illegal and dangerous. They also could void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
By keeping your firearm properly maintained, you will ensure that it is safe to
operate and will function reliably for many years.
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SAFETY AND STORAGE DEVICES
If you decide to keep a firearm in your home you must consider the issue of how
to store the firearm in a safe and secure manner. In a special report by Harvard
Public Health, it is stated that a gun in the home raises the suicide risk for everyone:
gun owner, spouse and children alike.1 California recognizes the importance of safe
storage by requiring that all firearms sold in California be accompanied by a DOJ-
approved firearms safety device or proof that the purchaser owns a gun safe that
meets regulatory standards established by the DOJ. The current list of DOJ-approved
firearms safety devices and the gun safe standards can be viewed at the following
DOJ website: http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist.
There are a variety of safety and storage devices currently available to the public in a
wide range of prices. Some devices are locking mechanisms designed to keep the
firearm from being loaded or fired, but don’t prevent the firearm from being handled
or stolen. There are also locking storage containers that hold the firearm out of sight.
For maximum safety you should use both a firearm safety device and a locking
storage container to store your unloaded firearm.
Two of the most common locking mechanisms are trigger locks and cable locks.
Trigger locks are typically two-piece devices that fit around the trigger and trigger
guard to prevent access to the trigger. One side has a post that fits into a hole
in the other side. They are locked by a key or combination locking mechanism.
Cable locks typically work by looping a strong steel cable through the action of the
firearm to block the firearm’s operation and prevent accidental firing. However,
neither trigger locks nor cable locks are designed to prevent access to the firearm.
Smaller lock boxes and larger gun safes are two of the most common types of
locking storage containers. One advantage of lock boxes and gun safes is that they
are designed to completely prevent unintended handling and removal of a firearm.
Lock boxes are generally constructed of sturdy, high-grade metal opened by either a
key or combination lock. Gun safes are quite heavy, usually weighing at least 50
pounds. While gun safes are typically the most expensive firearm storage devices,
they are generally more reliable and secure.
Remember: Safety and storage devices are only as secure as the precautions you take
to protect the key or combination to the lock.
1 Madeline Drexler, 2013. “Guns and Suicide: The Hidden Toll,” Harvard Public Health
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METHODS OF CHILDPROOFING
As a responsible firearm owner, you need to be aware of the methods of childproofing
your firearm, whether or not you have children.
Whenever children could be around, whether your own, or a friend’s, relative’s or
neighbor’s, additional safety steps should be taken when storing firearms and
ammunition in your home.
• Always store your firearm unloaded.
• Use a firearms safety device AND store the firearm in a locked container.
• Store the ammunition separately in a locked container.
Always storing your firearm securely is the best method of childproofing your
firearm; however, your choice of a storage place can add another element of safety.
Carefully choose the storage place in your home especially if children may be
around.
• Do not store your firearm where it is visible.
• Do not store your firearm in a bedside table, under your mattress or pillow, or
on a closet shelf.
• Do not store your firearm among your valuables (such as jewelry or cameras)
unless it is locked in a secure container.
• Make sure the location you store your firearm and ammunition is not easily
accessible to children.
• Consider storing firearms not possessed for self-defense in a safe and secure
manner away from the home.
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CHAPTER 4: Self Test
1. It is important to carefully read all 5. Which of the following steps
instructional material you receive should be taken to “childproof”
with your firearm. (page 29) your firearm? (page 32)
True False A. Use a firearms safety device
AND store the firearm in a
2. Certain modifications, when made locked container.
to a firearm, may void its warranty. B. Always store your firearm
(page 30) unloaded.
True False C. Store ammunition separately
in a locked container.
3. It is safe to store a loaded firearm in D. All of the above.
your bedside table. (page 32)
True False
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Prohibited Firearms Transfers
and Straw Purchases
It is a violation of California law for a person who is not licensed as a California firearms
dealer to transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person, without conducting such a
transfer through a licensed firearms dealer. (Pen. Code, § 27545.) Such a transfer may be
punishable as a felony. (Pen. Code, § 27590.)
Furthermore, it is a violation of federal law to either (1) make a false or fictitious
statement on an application to purchase a firearm about a material fact, such as the
identity of the person who ultimately will acquire the firearm (commonly known as
"lying and buying") (18 U.S.C. 922(a)(6)), or (2) knowingly transfer a firearm to a
person who is prohibited by federal law from possessing and purchasing it. (18 U.S.C.
922(d).) Such transfers are punishable under federal law by a $250,000 fine and 10 years
in federal prison. (18 U.S.C. 924(a)(2).)
Never buy a gun for someone who is prohibited by law or unable to do so.
34
CHAPTER 5
Firearms Laws
35
The infrequent transfer of firearms between immediate family members is exempt from
the law requiring private party transfers to be conducted through a licensed firearms
dealer. For purposes of this exemption, “immediate family” means parent and child,
and grandparent and grandchild, but does not include other types of transfers, such as
between brother and sister. Please note that the transferee must comply with the FSC
requirement described below, prior to taking possession of the firearm. Within 30 days
of the transfer, the transferee must also submit a report of the transaction to the DOJ.
The required report form (Firearm Ownership Record BOF 4542A) can be downloaded
from the DOJ’s website at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms.
The reclaiming of a pawned firearm is subject to the DROS and 10-day waiting period
requirements.
Proof-of-Residency Requirement
To purchase a handgun in California you must present documentation indicating that you
are a California resident. Acceptable documentation includes a utility bill from within the
last three months, a signed residential lease, a property deed or military permanent duty
station orders indicating assignment within California. The address provided on the
DROS must match either the address on the proof-of-residency document or the address
on the purchaser’s California Driver license or Identification Card. (Pen. Code, § 26845.)
36
Firearms Safety Device Requirement
All firearms (long guns and handguns) purchased in California must be accompanied with
a firearms safety device (FSD) that has passed required safety and functionality tests and
is listed on the DOJ’s official roster of DOJ-approved firearms safety devices. The
current roster of certified FSDs is available on the Bureau of Firearms website at
http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist. The FSD requirement also can be satisfied if the
purchaser signs an affidavit declaring ownership of either a DOJ-approved lock box or a
gun safe capable of accommodating the firearm being purchased. Pawn returns and intra-
familial transfers are not subject to the FSD requirement. (Pen. Code, §§ 23635-23690.)
One-Handgun-per-Thirty-Days Requirement
No person shall make an application to purchase more than one handgun within any
30-day period. Exemptions to the one-handgun-per-thirty-days requirement include
pawn returns, intra-familial transfers and private party transfers. (Pen. Code, §
27540.)
37
NEW CALIFORNIA RESIDENT REQUIREMENT
Persons who move to California with the intention of establishing residency
in this state must either report ownership of firearms to the DOJ within 60 days, or
sell or transfer the firearm(s) pursuant to California law. (Pen. Code,
§ 28050.) Persons who want to keep their firearms must submit a New Resident Firearm
Ownership Report, along with a $19 fee, to the DOJ. Forms are available at licensed
firearms dealers, the Department of Motor Vehicles or on-line at the Bureau of Firearms
web site at http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms. (Pen. Code, § 27560.)
38
FIREARMS ABOARD COMMON CARRIERS
Federal and state laws generally prohibit a person from carrying any firearm or ammunition
aboard any commercial passenger airplane. Similar restrictions may apply to other common
carriers such as trains, ships and buses. Persons who need to carry firearms or ammunition on
a common carrier should always consult the carrier in advance to determine conditions under
which firearms may be transported.
39
The right of self-defense is not initially available to a person who assaults another.
However, if such a person attempts to stop further combat and clearly informs the
adversary of his or her desire for peace but the opponent nevertheless continues the fight,
the right of self-defense returns and is the same as the right of any other person being
assaulted.
LARGE-CAPACITY MAGAZINES
It is generally illegal to manufacture, offer for sale, give, lend, buy, or receive any large-
capacity magazine or any large-capacity conversion kit that is capable of converting an
ammunition feeding device into a large-capacity magazine. (Pen. Code, §§ 32310 & 32311.)
40
MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITED ACTS
Obliteration or Alteration of Firearm Identification
It is illegal for any person to obliterate or alter the identification marks placed on any
firearm including the make, model, serial number or any distinguishing mark
lawfully assigned by the owner or by the DOJ. (Pen. Code, § 23900.)
It is illegal for any person to buy, sell or possess a firearm knowing its identification
has been obliterated or altered. (Pen. Code, § 23920.)
41
Threatening Acts with a Firearm on a Public Street or Highway
It is illegal for any person to draw or exhibit a loaded or unloaded firearm in a threatening
manner against an occupant of a motor vehicle which is on a public street or highway in
such a way that would cause a reasonable person apprehension or fear of bodily harm.
(Pen. Code, § 417.3.)
Criminal Storage
“Criminal storage of firearm of the first degree” – Keeping any loaded firearm within any
premises that are under your custody or control and you know or reasonably should know
that a child (any person under 18) or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or
deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm
without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian and the child or prohibited
person obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or great bodily injury to
himself, herself, or any other person. (Pen. Code, § 25100, subd. (a).)
“Criminal storage of firearm of the second degree” – Keeping any loaded firearm within
any premises that are under your custody or control and you know or reasonably should
know that a child (any person under 18) or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm
or deadly weapon pursuant to state or federal law is likely to gain access to the firearm
without the permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian and the child or prohibited
person obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes injury, other than great bodily
42
injury, to himself, herself, or any other person, or carries the firearm either to a public
place or in violation of Penal Code section 417. (Pen. Code, § 25100, subd. (b).)
“Criminal Storage of firearm of the third degree” – Keeping any loaded firearm within any
premises that are under your custody or control and negligently storing or leaving a loaded
firearm in a location where you know or reasonably should know that a child (any person
under 18) is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child’s
parent or legal guardian, unless you have taken reasonable action to secure the firearm
against access by the child. (Pen. Code, § 25100, subd. (c).)
None of the criminal storage offenses (first degree, second degree, third degree)
shall apply whenever the firearm is kept in a locked container or locked with a
locking device that has rendered the firearm inoperable. (Pen. Code, § 25105.)
43
CHAPTER 5: Self Test
1. It is illegal for a person convicted 4. Generally, a person may legally
of any felony offense to possess a have a loaded firearm, if
firearm. (page 43) otherwise lawful, at his or her
True False campsite. (page 39)
True False
2. To legally give a firearm to your
best friend as a birthday gift, you 5. It is illegal to buy, sell or
must complete the transfer of the possess a firearm knowing its
firearm through a licensed firearms identification marks have been
dealer. (page 35) erased or altered. (page 41)
True False True False
44
:Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary
Action: A series of moving parts that Jam: A malfunction that
allow a firearm to be loaded, fired prevents a firearm from
and unloaded. firing properly.
Barrel: The metal tube through which a Magazine: A separate box-like metal
bullet passes on its way to a target. container for semi-automatic
pistols into which cartridges are
Breech: The part of a firearm at the rear of
loaded.
the barrel.
Bullet: The projectile located at the tip of Magazine Release: A device that
the cartridge case. releases the magazine so that it
can be removed from the firearm.
Caliber: The bullet or barrel diameter.
Magazine Well: The opening in a
Cartridge: A single unit of ammunition firearm into which a magazine
made up of the case, primer, is inserted.
propellant and bullet.
Muzzle: The front end of the barrel
Cartridge Case: A container for all other from which a bullet exits.
components which comprise a
cartridge. Revolver: A firearm that has a
rotating cylinder containing a
Chamber: The rear part of a gun barrel number of chambers.
where the cartridge is located
Round: See cartridge.
when the gun is loaded.
Safety: A device on a firearm
Cylinder: The part of a revolver that
intended to help provide
holds ammunition in
protection against accidental
individual chambers.
discharge under normal usage
Cylinder Latch: A latch on double- when properly engaged.
action revolvers that allows the
Semiautomatic pistol: A firearm that
cylinder to swing out.
fires a single cartridge each time
Double-Action: A type of firearm the trigger is pulled, and which
action in which a single pull automatically extracts and ejects
of the trigger both cocks the the empty cartridge case and
hammer and releases it. reloads the chamber.
Dummy Round: A bright orange, red or Single-action: A type of firearm
other readily identifiable dummy action in which pulling the trigger
round or an inert cartridge causes the hammer to release.
without powder and primer.
Trigger Guard: Located on the
Ejector Rod: The part used to remove underside of the gun, the trigger
cartridges from the cylinder. guard is a rigid loop which
Grip: The handle of the firearm. particularly surrounds the trigger
to prevent damage or accidental
Hammer: The part of the firing discharge.
mechanism which strikes the firing pin
or primer.
45
If you have any comments or suggestions
regarding this publication, please send them to:
Department of Justice
Bureau of Firearms / FSC Unit
P.O. Box 160367
Sacramento, CA 95816-0367