California Firearms Safety Certificates (CAFSC) Practice Exam

Are full-automatic rifles permitted in California?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in rural areas

4. Only for law enforcement

The correct answer is: No

Full-automatic rifles, also known as machine guns, are not permitted for civilian ownership in California. This restriction is rooted in both state and federal laws designed to regulate firearms that can fire multiple rounds continuously with a single pull of the trigger. California has established stringent regulations governing firearms, which include the prohibition of the sale, possession, and transfer of full-automatic weapons, with very few exceptions typically applicable only to law enforcement or military use. In the context of civilian ownership, the laws reflect a legislative intent to enhance public safety by limiting access to firearms that have the potential to cause mass harm due to their rapid firing capabilities. The only individuals who may have access to such firearms are largely limited to governmental entities or law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties. Thus, the correct answer highlights the strict controls that California imposes on full-automatic rifles, reinforcing the state's commitment to regulating potentially dangerous firearms.