California Firearms Safety Certificates (CAFSC) Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is explicitly prohibited in California regarding ammunition magazines?

1. Using a 10-round magazine

2. Using a 30-round magazine for AR-15 rifles

3. Carrying any magazine in public

4. Loading more than 5 rounds in any magazine

The correct answer is: Using a 30-round magazine for AR-15 rifles

The action explicitly prohibited in California regarding ammunition magazines is the use of a 30-round magazine for AR-15 rifles. In California, there are strict regulations concerning the capacity of magazines that can be legally owned and used. The law limits the capacity of magazines to a maximum of 10 rounds for most firearms, including standard semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s. Possessing magazines that hold more than this limit, such as a 30-round magazine, is illegal unless it was purchased prior to the state legislation prohibiting high-capacity magazines. This regulation aims to reduce the potential for mass shootings and enhance public safety by limiting the number of rounds a shooter can fire before needing to reload. On the other hand, using a 10-round magazine is permissible under the law, and carrying any magazine in public does not inherently violate laws as long as it is within the legal capacity limits. Additionally, loading more than 5 rounds in any magazine is not universally prohibited; rather, the restriction is on the total capacity allowed. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a specific violation of California's legal framework concerning firearms and ammunition.