FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Safe Storage and Childproofing Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended humidity level inside a long-term gun storage safe to prevent corrosion?
- Below 20% relative humidity
- Between 30% and 50% relative humidity (Correct answer)
- Above 60% relative humidity to prevent static buildup
- Humidity does not affect firearms stored in a sealed safe
Correct answer: Between 30% and 50% relative humidity
The recommended humidity level for firearm storage is generally between 30% and 50% relative humidity. Too high humidity causes rust and corrosion; too low can dry out wooden stocks and grips. Dehumidifier rods (electric) or silica gel desiccant canisters are commonly placed inside gun safes to maintain proper humidity levels.
Question 2: What is a "GunVault" or quick-access bedside safe, and what is its primary limitation?
- A safe designed to store large gun collections; its limitation is that it cannot store handguns
- A small, fast-access safe designed for one or two handguns near the bed; its primary limitation is that it offers less security against determined theft or prying than a large, heavy safe (Correct answer)
- A wall-mounted safe that conceals a firearm behind a picture frame; its limitation is weight
- A biometric-only safe with no PIN backup; its limitation is battery dependency
Correct answer: A small, fast-access safe designed for one or two handguns near the bed; its primary limitation is that it offers less security against determined theft or prying than a large, heavy safe
A quick-access bedside safe (like GunVault) is designed to provide rapid authorized access to one or two handguns for home defense while preventing access by children. Its primary limitation compared to a full-size gun safe is that its smaller size and thinner steel make it more vulnerable to determined theft. For home defense purposes, the speed advantage outweighs this limitation for many owners.
Question 3: A family is going on a 2-week vacation. What is the safest storage option for their firearms?
- Leave them in their normal storage location — a biometric quick-access safe in the bedroom
- Transfer them to a more secure full-size safe or have them stored at a licensed firearms dealer's vault facility, since the home will be unoccupied (Correct answer)
- Remove all ammunition and leave firearms openly displayed to appear as decoys
- Hide the firearms in unusual locations that a thief would not think to check
Correct answer: Transfer them to a more secure full-size safe or have them stored at a licensed firearms dealer's vault facility, since the home will be unoccupied
For extended absences, upgrading to more secure storage is advisable. A stolen firearm enters the criminal pipeline immediately. Options include a heavy, full-size gun safe that is difficult to remove from the home, or temporarily storing firearms at a licensed dealer's vault facility. Quick-access safes offer minimal protection against theft when the homeowner is absent for an extended period.
Question 4: What should you do if you discover that your stored firearm has developed surface rust?
- Fire it immediately to clear the rust before it causes a malfunction
- Clean the rust with appropriate bore solvent and a bronze brush, oil it properly, and inspect it for any structural damage — severe rust may require a gunsmith (Correct answer)
- Submerge the firearm in water to fully dissolve the rust
- Dispose of the firearm and purchase a new one
Correct answer: Clean the rust with appropriate bore solvent and a bronze brush, oil it properly, and inspect it for any structural damage — severe rust may require a gunsmith
Surface rust on a firearm should be cleaned with a bronze bore brush (not steel, which can scratch) and appropriate gun solvent or rust remover, then thoroughly oiled and inspected. If rust penetrates into the barrel, action, or structural components, have a gunsmith inspect it before firing. Preventive measures include proper humidity control and regular application of protective oil.
Question 5: Which of the following does California require gun dealers to provide or offer to buyers at the time of a firearm sale?
- A one-hour mandatory safety orientation course
- A DOJ-approved firearm safety device (such as a trigger lock) at no additional cost or at a nominal fee (Correct answer)
- A printed copy of the California Penal Code sections on firearm laws
- A registration card to be mailed to the CA DMV within 30 days
Correct answer: A DOJ-approved firearm safety device (such as a trigger lock) at no additional cost or at a nominal fee
California law (Penal Code Section 23635) requires that every firearm sold by a licensed dealer be accompanied by a DOJ-approved firearm safety device. Dealers are required to offer — and in many cases include — a safety device such as a trigger lock with each firearm sold. This ensures buyers immediately have the means to safely store their new firearm.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a gun safe's relocking device (relocker)?
- To automatically lock the safe after 30 seconds if left open
- A secondary locking mechanism that engages if the primary locking mechanism is attacked (e.g., the lock is punched or drilled), preventing the safe from being opened even after the primary lock is defeated (Correct answer)
- To remotely lock the safe via a smartphone app
- To reset the combination after a break-in attempt
Correct answer: A secondary locking mechanism that engages if the primary locking mechanism is attacked (e.g., the lock is punched or drilled), preventing the safe from being opened even after the primary lock is defeated
A relocking device is a secondary security mechanism inside a quality gun safe. If an attacker defeats the primary lock (by punching, drilling, or prying it), the relocker automatically engages additional bolts or mechanisms that lock the door even more securely. This significantly increases resistance to forced entry after initial attack methods have been used.
FSC - Firearm Safety Certificate Safe Storage and Childproofing Questions and Answers 3
What is the recommended humidity level inside a long-term gun storage safe to prevent corrosion?