First time Handgun Owner

[krazek]

Hey guys, i tried searching the posts but couldnt find anything. I'm turning 21 on monday and decided that instead of doing all the other lovely things people my age like to do, i wanted to purchase a handgun. However, i'm only a rifle owner and i know the rules are different for purchasing a handgun, so i was wondering what the process was so i dont look stupid when i buy my handgun. Thanks in advance

[MidnightSon117]

You need to obtain an HSC (Handgun Safety Certificate) and establish proof of residency. Residency can be a phone bill (landline), utility bill, vehicle registration, and what else, I don't know. Credit card bills, cellular phone bills, or bank statements don't count, if I'm not mistaken. If you live with your parents, I think you can have some sworn affidavit that you reside in the household. Maybe other members can give more information.

[leelaw]

Bring:

Method of payment $
Yourself
Your right thumb
A Handgun Safety Certificate (or take the test at the shop when you purchase the gun) $25
Driver's License
Residency verification (utility bill for a physical location - not cell phone - vehicle registration)
More money for DROS $25

[leelaw]

If you live with your parents, I think you can have some sworn affidavit that you reside in the household.

Correct. Just anything that you and your parents sign that state that you live at such-and-such address. It does not need to be notarized.

[krazek]

Bring:

Method of payment $
Yourself
Your right thumb
A Handgun Safety Certificate (or take the test at the shop when you purchase the gun) $25
Driver's License
Residency verification (utility bill for a physical location - not cell phone - vehicle registration)
More money for DROS $25

Would I need to review anything before taking the HSC? I heard the test was pretty much common sense, but is there anything I would need to review ahead of time?

[chunger]

Read the "HSC study guide" through right before the test, and you should be fine.

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/hscinfo.php

It's in PDF format and all questions on the test should be answered in this document.

[ts]

Whats up with the proof of residency anyway? Why is that a hand gun requirment?

[azn_wrx]

If you live with your parents you can use a rental agreement. Places like office depot or staples sell them in their legal forms section. You do not need to state how much you pay in rent, but just that you have residence. Turners accepts this.

[krim]

Would I need to review anything before taking the HSC? I heard the test was pretty much common sense, but is there anything I would need to review ahead of time?

just read it through once, it'll take 15 minutes. take the practice test and you should pass.

[FatKatMatt]

The HSC is insanely easy for anyone that knows anything about handguns. Most of it is common sense but there is some technical stuff like 'how do you release the cylinder on a revolver' and 'what are the two most common types of handguns', but all in all very easy. My mom who doesn't know anything about guns (besides the stuff I force feed her ) could do it within 15 minutes.

EDIT: also, do you get your HSC instantaneously or is there some sort of wait like for a C & R?

[Blue]

I bought my first handgun the day after I turned 21. The gunshop was closed on my birthday I bought a Beretta 96, and the guy noticed I didn't wait a minute to buy a pistol after my birthday as I was filling out the 4473( and I was the first customer as they unlocked the doors). He gave me a birthday discount. They ate the tax and DROS. I paid for it anyways in the price of the gun I'm sure, but it was pretty cool if you ask me.

[leelaw]

Whats up with the proof of residency anyway? Why is that a hand gun requirment?

Because the guys up in Sacramento who make the laws know better than you do, so do it.

[Infused1]

Another Proof of residency

There is another way to prove where you live, outside of showing a bill, Your voter registration card. Not a lot of people know this, but its a perfectly valid way to prove you live where you are and I think its neat because it shows you vote. I think its a great statement too!

[azn_wrx]

There is another way to prove where you live, outside of showing a bill, Your voter registration card. Not a lot of people know this, but its a perfectly valid way to prove you live where you are and I think its neat because it shows you vote. I think its a great statement too!

I thought voter registration did not count. I swore turners told me it was not a valid proof of residency. Also CMP does not take voter cards I believe because the Federal Government does not recognize it. This is if i remember correctly. Some one please chime if it that is incorrect.

[pacificamark]

The HSC is insanely easy for anyone that knows anything about handguns. Most of it is common sense but there is some technical stuff like 'how do you release the cylinder on a revolver' and 'what are the two most common types of handguns', but all in all very easy. My mom who doesn't know anything about guns (besides the stuff I force feed her ) could do it within 15 minutes.

EDIT: also, do you get your HSC instantaneously or is there some sort of wait like for a C & R?

My wife knew absolutely nothing about guns nor had used one before taking the HSC. She missed only one question (the 18 or 21 years old to buy question) that was it. Very simple. Just read the guide or watch the video if your local store has one.