Obtaining an HSC

[Wazoo53]

Hello! I am a brand spanking new novice to owning and operating a gun. my interest comes because my family is full of hunters and I would like to be able to operate a gun. My question, and hopefully it isn't off topic, is that I am looking for a reputable and certified location in the Bay Area, Peninsula preferably, that offers the testing for HSC. I have found a few locations, but I would like to hear from others in the Bay Area who have done certifications and where they have gone to do so.

I am posting this primarily because there is still a lot of lingo I do not understand and I honestly do not know what to ask or look for.

Breaking it down in my terms, where do I receive a certificate in the peninsula to own and operate a handgun or shotgun?

Thank you in advance!

[4ntvings]

should be same in all CA, just need to go authorized to CA DOJ rep/retailer can issue the HSC test and certificate upon passing. just got mine at Turner's.

if need be, you can get the booklet to study online at Turner's site and also search the net for CA HSC. GL! hope this helps a little.

[ke6guj]

you only need the HSC for purchase or otherwise acquire an handgun. You don't need it to own the handgun. And the HSC has nothing to do with shotguns or rifles.

look here for more info, including study guides, http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/hscinfo.php

[Wazoo53]

Thanks for such a quick response! So far I've found two in my area: Krauseworks and Jackson Arms. Has anyone received an HSC from these stores? I plan on calling them tomorrow to find out more, but I would like to know what to expect. Especially from Jackson Arms because they have the gun safety courses. Has anyone taken this?

And I found the Gun Study guide online through the CA.gov firearms branch. Blew through it in twenty minutes and got a 100% on the practice questions

[ghostwong]

I'll prepare you this way. Just think common sense - if you are confused with a question default o this line of thinking "I live in a Nanny State, The State wants me to do the safest thing because I'm and Idiot"

You will pass with 100%

Good luck and buy all the guns you can!

[alpalwal]

Thanks for such a quick response! So far I've found two in my area: Krauseworks and Jackson Arms. Has anyone received an HSC from these stores? I plan on calling them tomorrow to find out more, but I would like to know what to expect. Especially from Jackson Arms because they have the gun safety courses. Has anyone taken this?

And I found the Gun Study guide online through the CA.gov firearms branch. Blew through it in twenty minutes and got a 100% on the practice questions

It's a standard test so it shouldn't really matter where you go. As far as taking the actual test goes, even if you're new to guns all you have to do is not be completely retarded and you should be good to go.

[4ntvings]

I'll prepare you this way. Just think common sense - ...You will pass with 100%

:agree:
but test i took had tricky stupid wording...even still, really easy to pass without studying

...even if you're new to guns all you have to do is not be completely retarded and you should be good to go.

i should've said that ^ (right on the nose!)

[ke6guj]

you just have to make sure that the dealer will allow you to the take the test to get an HSC if you aren't buying from him right then. HSC cards are in short supply and some dealers are saving their cards for those that are buying from them.

[greybeard]

You may want to consider a Hunter Safety course or a NRA first steps course.

[4ntvings]

HSC cards are in short supply and some dealers are saving their cards for those that are buying from them.

really...wow had no probs when i got mine recently and didnt even buy from them

anyway, also, OP there was a nominal charge too...just fyi

[ghostwong]

+1 to that, If you are n new shooter, do it right the first time.

You may want to consider a Hunter Safety course or a NRA first steps course.

[ke6guj]

really...wow had no probs when i got mine recently and didnt even buy from them

yup, http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=155414

anyway, also, OP there was a nominal charge too...just fyi

$25

[Wicked K5]

you just have to make sure that the dealer will allow you to the take the test to get an HSC if you aren't buying from him right then. HSC cards are in short supply and some dealers are saving their cards for those that are buying from them.

I went to Reed's and The Gun Exchange and they were out of cards. Fortunately, Rance from Gun Exchange recommended I go to Sportsman's Supply to get my HSC as he had heard they still have cards. Jumped in the car and drove the extra 5 miles to take the test. They were extremely busy but more than happy to administer the test at Sportsman's Supply. They may have won me over as a customer and they're more than twice as far as my local dealer

[Wazoo53]

Hey all! Again, great responses. I've done some more digging and visited the NRA website. Recommended was the Burlingame Fire Arms location for both the HSC and basic firearms handling courses. I think I'm probably going to go up there for more information. Good thing I'm not a complete retard otherwise I think i'd probably have some issues