California Firearm Safety Certificate Practice Test

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Study for the California Firearm Safety Certificate Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. With over 500 questions. Updated for 2025. Get ready for your exam! Tailored to mimic the real test, it's the ultimate tool for ensuring you understand firearm safety and regulations in California.

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What is the first step to take when receiving a firearm from someone?

  1. Check to see that it is unloaded

  2. Inspect the firearm's storage case

  3. Clean the firearm before use

  4. Ask about the firearm's history

The correct answer is: Check to see that it is unloaded

When receiving a firearm from someone, the most critical and immediate step is to check to see that it is unloaded. This principle falls under fundamental firearm safety guidelines, which emphasize that one should always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Ensuring that the firearm is unloaded before handling it helps to prevent accidental discharges and promotes a safe environment for everyone involved. Recognizing the condition of the firearm right away reduces the risk of mishandling and enhances overall safety. Although inspecting the storage case, cleaning the firearm, and asking about its history are also important considerations in responsible firearm ownership and handling, they are secondary to verifying that the firearm is unloaded, which is essential for safe handling.