Handgun Purchase Legality

[Reardon_san]

It has been well over a decade since I purchased my first automatic pistol, a Walther P-38, over the counter. I vaguely remember just using my CA D/L as a form of ID. I am sure that the process is much more complicated nowadays. Any advice?

[andalusi]

It has been well over a decade since I purchased my first automatic pistol-Walther P-38, over the counter. I vaguely remember just using my CA. D/L as a form of ID. I am sure that the process is much more complicated nowadays. Any advice?

You'll need a secondary proof of residence, such as vehicle registration or a copy of your signed lease. Also, of course, your HSC.

[nn3453]

Yes, a CDL, secondary proof (such as vehicle registration) and you will need to get a Handgun Safety Certificate, which you can get after passing a written test. Your favorite gun dealer can administer the test and can provide the instruction booklet. The test is very simple unless you have developmental disabilities.

[stix213]

You'll need a secondary proof of residence, such as vehicle registration or a copy of your signed lease. Also, of course, your HSC.

You will be able to take the HSC test at the time of purchase. I believe all gun shops are required to be able to provide the test. Test is good for like 5 years. (That's like 60 new pistols you can get!!! j/k)

If you are concerned about passing the test (its pretty easy though) just read the official study guide put out by the state from beginning to end once. You'll know everything you need to after that.

Official study guide:

https://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

[ke6guj]

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dlrfaqs.php#33G

[DDG]

So....what are you going to buy?

Don't worry about the HSC. A quick read of the study guide in the link above, and you'll pass easily. Takes 3 minutes to do the test, if you are slow like me.

[larryratcliff]

The HSC is a joke. I was in exactly your boat a few weeks ago. I did not even study for the test and I got 100%. If you just use common sense on the answers thats all you need (that and 25 bucks).

[Reardon_san]

"...developmental disabilities"

Hah! Thats funny! Does being a Marine count?!
Guess what yer sayin is, the test aint that hard..?

[Reardon_san]

HSC Acquisition

Not so much to buy, but more just to get the HSC for GP, for future references. If its at all worth my time.

But yes, eventually, I am steering toward some sort of 1911. Its one of the pistols I am most familiar and proficient with from my training in the Corps. Plus I still have beaucoup mags left over from when I got out.

So....what are you going to buy?

Don't worry about the HSC. A quick read of the study guide in the link above, and you'll pass easily. Takes 3 minutes to do the test, if you are slow like me.

[Reardon_san]

HSC Acquisition

Yeah, I figured as much. I also heard that it can be waived for military personnel, or at least the fee can be waived.
Can anyone confirm that? Thanks for the link, i'll start studying tomorrow!

[QUOTE=stix213;3384069]You will be able to take the HSC test at the time of purchase. I believe all gun shops are required to be able to provide the test. Test is good for like 5 years. (That's like 60 new pistols you can get!!! j/k)

If you are concerned about passing the test (its pretty easy though) just read the official study guide put out by the state from beginning to end once. You'll know everything you need to after that.[QUOTE=stix213;3384069]

[Reardon_san]

HSC Study Guide

HOLY SCHNEIKIES!
Are they serious?!? 56 pages?! Is all that really necessasary? I guess I dont mind printing out a copy for myself at the public library, but does anyone know if there is a more cost effective way?

You will be able to take the HSC test at the time of purchase. I believe all gun shops are required to be able to provide the test. Test is good for like 5 years. (That's like 60 new pistols you can get!!! j/k)

If you are concerned about passing the test (its pretty easy though) just read the official study guide put out by the state from beginning to end once. You'll know everything you need to after that.

Official study guide:
www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

[ke6guj]

Yeah, I figured as much. I also heard that it can be waived for military personnel, or at least the fee can be waived.
Can anyone confirm that? Thanks for the link, i'll start studying tomorrow!

If you fall under any of the following catagories, you are exempt from needing the HSC.

What are the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) requirement exemption codes?

◦X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
◦X02 = Operation of Law Representative
◦X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
◦X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
◦X21 = Military - Active Duty
◦X22 = Military - Reserve
◦X25 = Military - Honorably Retired
◦X31 = Peace Officer - California - Active
◦X32 = Peace Officer - Federal - Active
◦X33 = Peace Officer - California - Honorably Retired
◦X34 = Peace Officer - California - Reserve
◦X35 = Peace Officer - Federal - Honorably Retired
◦X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
◦X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
◦X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
◦X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member