California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

A safety device on a firearm that prevents it from firing is called what?

1. Muzzle

2. Trigger lock

3. Safety catch

4. Magazine

The correct answer is: Safety catch

The correct answer is the safety catch. A safety catch is a mechanism on a firearm designed to prevent the gun from accidentally discharging. This device engages and disengages manually, ensuring that the firearm remains in a non-firing condition when not in use. It is an essential feature for ensuring safety during handling and storage. While a trigger lock is also a safety device, its function is primarily to prevent access to the trigger itself, thus preventing firing. The muzzle refers to the front end of the firearm where the bullets exit and does not serve a safety function. The magazine is a component that holds ammunition; it does not prevent firing. Therefore, the safety catch is specifically intended to enhance the safety of the firearm by actively preventing it from being fired when engaged.