California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Exam

What should you do if you are handling a firearm and someone enters the room?

1. Warn them about the firearm

2. Stop handling the firearm

3. Continue handling the firearm without change

4. Hand the firearm to the person

The correct answer is: Stop handling the firearm

Stopping handling the firearm is the most appropriate action because safety must be the first priority whenever a firearm is present, particularly in the presence of others. When someone enters the room, you cannot predict how they may react or what their level of familiarity with firearms might be. By ceasing to handle the firearm, you reduce the risk of an accidental discharge and ensure that you can focus on the safety of yourself and those around you. While warning someone about the firearm could be valuable in some situations, it does not eliminate the risks associated with continuing to handle the firearm. Continuing to handle the firearm without change poses a significant safety hazard, as it could lead to an unsafe situation. Handing the firearm to the person entering the room is also unsafe, as it puts the responsibility of managing the firearm on someone who may not be prepared or knowledgeable about it. Overall, stopping all handling of the firearm when someone else enters ensures that safety protocols are strictly followed and that you maintain control of the situation.