California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the California Firearm Safety Certificate exam with comprehensive study tools. Our quiz covers essential topics, enhancing your knowledge through interactive formats. Master the concepts and get ready to pass the FSC exam with confidence!

Practice this question and more.


What is an important step to take before cleaning your firearm?

  1. Decock the hammer

  2. Ensure the firearm is loaded

  3. Check that the firearm is completely unloaded

  4. Apply safety goggles and gloves

The correct answer is: Check that the firearm is completely unloaded

Ensuring that the firearm is completely unloaded is a critical step before cleaning it. This practice prioritizes safety and prevents any accidental discharge of the firearm during the cleaning process. Checking that there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine not only safeguards the individual cleaning the firearm but also protects others who may be present. This step is fundamental in firearm safety protocols and is essential to mitigate risks associated with handling firearms. In the context of the other options, while decocking the hammer and applying safety equipment like goggles and gloves are good practices, they do not take precedence over confirming that the firearm is unloaded. Ensuring the firearm is loaded directly contradicts the safety measures required for cleaning. Therefore, verifying that the firearm is completely unloaded stands out as the most important step prior to the cleaning process.