Handgun permit

[The Custard Pirate]

How does a person get a permit to buy a handgun? I know about the test and have the Cal. HSC pamphlet, but who administers the test?

[ChrisTKHarris]

The test is administered by any gun shop that sells handguns. The HSC test is a 30 question multiple choice test. You only need an HSC card if you're going to purchase a handgun.

[The Custard Pirate]

Wow, that was quick. Thanks for the information.

[razr]

gun permit

Any gun store should be able to get you the test. Once you pass the 30 question test, (download the study guide PDF from DOJ's website) you'll get a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) good for 5 years, you'll need that along with your Drivers lic and proof of CA residency (any utility bill will do or your car registration with your current adrress on it.

If you want to carry your firearm, CCW is a bit more involved and more difficult to get. Again any gun store could walk you through the process.

[CSACANNONEER]

There is no such thing as a "Handgun Permit" in California! The HSC is only one of several ways to qualify to buy a handgun here.

[razr]

We were all posting at the same time.

[Quiet]

There is no such thing as a "Handgun Permit" in California! The HSC is only one of several ways to qualify to buy a handgun here.

What he said.

[littlejake]

The test is administered by any gun shop that sells handguns. The HSC test is a 30 question multiple choice test. You only need an HSC card if you're going to purchase a handgun.

Not quite multiple choice, I believe there are 4 fill-ins. They involve safety instructions to be told to children if the see a gun lying around. Answers: Stop; Don't touch; Leave the area; and tell an adult.

The original test was all multiple choice --- and there are different tests just like at the DMV -- but these 4 fill-ins were added. These are talked about on page 14 of the study guide.

You can find the study guide at:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

Most people can pass the HSC test without studying -- but a quick perusal of the study guide will assure you of a passing score. It's 90% common sense.

[CSACANNONEER]

Not quite multiple choice, I believe there are 4 fill-ins.

The test is mulitple choice. There are 4 answers to choose from and you fill in the bubble of your choice.

[Dubels]

On the HSC it is all multiple choice. There are no fill in questions. They grade it by placing a plastic answer sheet cover over it and see if your answers match up with the holes in the plastic. I took mine in Feb 2010 and passed it without even studying. It was easy, the guy told me it might take me 30 mins to take the test, I finished in 10. Common sense and gun safety that everyone even thinking about buying any kind of gun should know and practice.

[ChrisTKHarris]

On the HSC it is all multiple choice. There are no fill in questions. They grade it by placing a plastic answer sheet cover over it and see if your answers match up with the holes in the plastic. I took mine in Feb 2010 and passed it without even studying. It was easy, the guy told me it might take me 30 mins to take the test, I finished in 10. Common sense and gun safety that everyone even thinking about buying any kind of gun should know and practice.

Me too! I didn't even know there was an HSC study guide.

[1Fastrider]

Took the test Friday. 10 min answering pretty much the most common sense questions you can imagine. If you can't pass w/o studyijng I'd question whether you should be buying a firearm. :-)

[Air]

Took the test Friday. 10 min answering pretty much the most common sense questions you can imagine. If you can't pass w/o studyijng I'd question whether you should be buying a firearm. :-)

Agreed. But I always miss one question intentionally just for fun!

[CSACANNONEER]

Agreed. But I always miss one question intentionally just for fun!

Which one?

[Brianguy]

I didn't even read the study material first and passed. You have to try to fail the test to not pass.