HGSC Pre-reqs.

[echang86]

I'm curious if there are any age requirements to meet in order to take the HSC test. I'm turning 21 in a few weeks, and I want to get my test out of the way while I can. Especially since I have four finals the same week as my birthday.

Gunrunners in Duarte rejected me when I requested to take the test. But the Official DoJ FAQ (http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/hscfaqs.php#a5) reads:

Are there any minimum qualifications/requirements for a person who wants to take the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) test?

The only requirements are that the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver's License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.

Is it a store policy? If so, does anyone know any stores that will issue the test to 18+ within the San Gabriel Valley (Arcadia/Pasadena/Temple City/San Gabriel/etc.)? Or is the DoJ FAQ website simply outdated?

Thanks guys!

[savasyn]

I think a number of stores don't like to have people under 21 take the test because it might be possible for them to start a handgun purchase before they are supposed to if the employee doesn't check the age closely enough. It's a liability thing.

Why not just wait until you are actually buying a gun to get the card? It's usually cheaper when you are actually purchasing and only takes 10 minutes. If it's only a few weeks away, I'd say wait.

[Kelvrick]

I'd also wait until I'm 21. Just take it when you're purchasing, its not like you have to study for it.

[echang86]

I see. If it only takes ten minutes, it won't hurt. I've been studying the study guide for the past few days, it's pretty easy common sense stuff. But I'm the type of guy that lives by "better safe than sorry".

Thanks for the help!

[Kelvrick]

I see. If it only takes ten minutes, it won't hurt. I've been studying the study guide for the past few days, it's pretty easy common sense stuff. But I'm the type of guy that lives by "better safe than sorry".

Thanks for the help!

For the last couple of days?

Just look it over the morning of and you'll likely ace the test.

[wceviper]

The day I got my card, I read the book after lunch, and at 3pm went and aced the test while it was fresh in my mind.

[IH8CALAWS]

I never read the book, I have just been around guns since I was about 4 years old, I scored 30/30. No need to worry it's nothing.

[JeffM]

I never read the book, I have just been around guns since I was about 4 years old, I scored 30/30. No need to worry it's nothing.

Same here. I went into a shop to fondle some merchandise, and they told me I couldn't if I didn't have a HSC, so I asked for the test then and there. The guy asked if I wanted a few minutes with a study-guide, but I said no. He was surprised when I got 30/30, but was very accommodating afterwards. I started the paperwork then and there for my first official handgun purchase.

[mecam]

You should never ever own a handgun if you fail this test even for the first time.