Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 11, § 4095 - Testing Procedures

The tests in this section are designed to replicate the forces that would be exerted on FSDs through the use of common household tools for an approximate ten-minute period.

(a) The only persons allowed to conduct FSD testing are authorized staff of the Certified FSD Laboratory. In addition to this staff, representatives of the FSD manufacturer or dealer and/or the DOJ shall be allowed to be present during testing. Any such representative(s) shall not participate in the testing. However, if deemed necessary by the staff of the laboratory, representative(s) of the FSD manufacturer or dealer may be asked to provide advice and/or guidance regarding the characteristics, handling, and/or operation of the FSD.

(b) Each laboratory testing an FSD pursuant to these regulations must comply with the following test criteria relative to each FSD tested:

(1) All tests shall be conducted within the following tolerances as applicable:

(A) Force: 0.5% of working range.

(B) Height: +/- 3mm (0.12 inches).

(C) Torque: 4.0% of reading.

(D) Weight: +/- 10 grams (.02 pounds).

(2) All tests shall be conducted at temperatures between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius (61-81 degrees Fahrenheit).

(3) A tensile loading device having a load and force measuring capacity of 4,450 newtons (1,000 pounds force) shall be utilized for appropriate tests.

(4) The American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Performance Specification for Padlocks (ASTM) F883-97 is incorporated into these regulations by reference. A shock impact fixture shall be constructed utilizing the same design as the shock impactor fixture illustrated and detailed in said specification and a shackle cutting fixture shall be constructed utilizing the same design as the shackle cutting fixture illustrated and detailed in said specification.

(5) A mounting device shall be fashioned and used to align and to support the FSD being tested on the mounting device when being subjected to required shock loads.

(6) The FSD shall be properly installed on a firearm according to the manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise stated in these regulations.

(7) FSDs may be tested when they are not installed on a firearm if it is determined by the test laboratory that the firearm would interfere with the test equipment's ability to apply measurable forces to the FSD. Testing an FSD while it is not installed on a firearm is allowed only when the measurable forces are applied to areas of the FSD that would be exposed when the FSD is properly installed. FSDs shall be tested on a complete firearm whenever possible.

(8) The FSD shall not be of a design to allow it to be disabled or removed from the firearm through the partial destruction of the firearm with common household tools. Partial destruction includes, but is not limited to, cutting an exposed trigger guard or removing the hammer spur of the firearm (if so equipped).

(9) Notwithstanding the FSD manufacturer's instructions, for each of the tests, a primed case will be placed in the firing chamber if the chamber can be closed. The primed case shall be produced by an ammunition manufacturer and consist of the same type of case and primer as standard ammunition recommended by the firearm manufacturer. With the FSD properly installed, the firearm shall be rendered incapable of firing the primed case. If the firearm discharges the primed case during any of the tests, even if only capable of firing once and even if unsafe to do so, the device is deemed to have failed testing.

(10) Notwithstanding the FSD manufacturer's instructions, for each test, the firearm shall be cocked, and the manual safety shall not be applied.

(11) All of the tests designated in subdivisions (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this section shall be performed on a single FSD. The test designated in subdivision (c)(6) of this section shall be performed on a separate single FSD. The test designated in subdivisions (c)(7) through (c)(8) of this section shall be performed on a separate single FSD. The test designated in subdivision (d) or (e) of this section shall be performed on a separate single FSD.

(12) All lock box type devices (devices designed to fully contain and enclose a firearm) shall be tested with a small handgun placed within the device. The small handgun shall be loaded with a primed case and be no greater than 5 inches (L) x 3 inches (H) x 1 1/4 inches (W) in size. The small handgun may be in addition to any other firearm(s) used in testing. Lock boxes designed to accommodate long guns must be tested with at least one long gun placed within the container in addition to the small handgun mentioned above. Lock boxes which cannot prevent the removal of, or access to discharging, the firearm(s) contained within the device will be considered disabled.

(13) Manipulation with a screwdriver, as described in these regulations, is to be applied only to the areas directly affected (weakened) by the proceeding test.

(c) Each Certified FSD Laboratory shall perform all of the following tests on each FSD model submitted to the laboratory for testing pursuant to these regulations in an attempt to defeat the device, cause the firearm to function, or cause the loaded primed case to discharge:

(1) Picking or manipulating test (utilize a new FSD)(does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). Cylinders in the FSD shall resist picking with the use of paper clips (jumbo size), paper clips (#1 size), and small screwdrivers that fit in the keyway for two minutes each. Time shall be counted only while tools are in contact with the lock. Combination locks shall resist manual manipulation for two minutes. Time shall be counted only while hands are manipulating the combination lock. This test shall be performed by a tester with no specialized training or skills in lock picking or manipulation (e.g. locksmith training or the use of reference guides on lock picking or manipulation). In the case of a key lock, failure occurs if the lock mechanism can be disengaged during six minutes of manipulation. In the case of a combination lock, failure occurs if the combination lock can be disengaged without the proper combination being entered during two minutes of manipulation.

(2) Forced removal inspection. Inspect the firearm and FSD to determine if the FSD is of such a design that it may not be disabled or removed from the firearm through two minutes of partial destruction of the firearm with common household tools. Partial destruction attacks shall be limited to the firearm's trigger guard, hammer spur, or barrel. For example, an FSD that fully encloses the trigger guard of the firearm may pass this inspection, while an FSD that would allow a portion of the trigger guard to be sawed off to allow for removal of the FSD may fail this inspection. Failure occurs if inspection of the firearm and FSD indicates that the FSD may be disabled or removed through the partial destruction of the firearm as described in this subdivision. Failure also occurs if the firearm could be fired, even if unsafe to do so, as a result of the forced removal inspection. Attack by saw shall be performed in accordance with the specifications and limitations of the sawing test (included by reference).

(3) Tensile test (does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). This test is designed to test the strength of the FSD utilizing a pulling action. Support the firearm and FSD in a fixture designed to enable application of forces in tension along a central axis of the mating locking components of the FSD. Apply 1,000 newtons (225 pounds force) of forces slowly along the central axis of the FSD locking components without interfering or giving support to either of the mating locking components of the FSD. For FSDs that have clamping components, specific fixtures may be required to allow application of the required force to the individual components. Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled or if the firearm is capable of firing during the test. For instance, if the FSD separates far enough to allow for the discharge of the firearm while manipulating the trigger.

(4) Shock test (does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). This test is designed to test the FSD and locking mechanism's ability to withstand shock. Using the shock impact fixture, drop a one-kilogram (2.2 pound) weight from a distance of one meter + one centimeter (39.4 inches + 0.4 inches) five times to the top of the FSD body aligned to impinge and penetrate the locking keyway or combination lock using a chucked blade-type tool (chucked blade-type tool should be crafted from the shank of a screwdriver with a 1/4 to 5/8 -inch (0.63 to 1.6-centimeter) flathead end). Additionally, using the shock impact fixture, drop a one-kilogram (2.2 pound) weight from a distance of one meter (39.4 inches), five times to the top of the FSD body using a chucked steel rod tool. Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled by the shock test. Failure also occurs if following the shock test, subsequent manipulation of the FSD with an 8 to 10-inch (20.3 to 25.4-centimeter) long screwdriver with a 1/4 to 5/8 -inch (0.63 to 1.6-centimeter) flathead end for fifteen seconds allows the tester to discharge a primed case.

(5) Shackle or cable cutting test (does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). This test is designed to determine the FSD's resistance to cutting forces of 4,450 newtons (1,000 pounds force) for solid metal shackles or with hand forces of 445 newtons (100 pounds force) for cables. The shackle of the FSD (if so equipped) shall withstand cutting through when blades made of steel, hardened to a minimum hardness of Rc 50, are used in conjunction with the blade positioning holders of the shackle cutting fixture. The shearing assembly must then be placed in a tensile loading device having a compression load capability and compressed with a force of 4,450 newtons (1,000 pounds force). See the ASTM F883-97 standard for details to build a shackle cutting fixture (this document is incorporated by reference into these regulations). The cable of the FSD (if so equipped) shall withstand cutting through with 9 1/2 -inch lineman pliers with a force of 100 pounds (445 newtons) for two minutes. The force shall be applied to the handles of the pliers at a point that is 6 inches (+/- 0.25 inches) from the center of the pliers' pivot pin, and the cable shall be placed between the blades so that the cable's centerline is 0.75 inches (+/- 0.05 inches) from the center of the pliers' pivot pin. The FSD is to be supported on both sides of the point of the shear cut with allowance for blade clearance. Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled.

(6) Plug pulling test (utilize a new FSD)(does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). This test is designed to test a cylinder lock's ability to withstand a pulling action to dislodge the plug from the cylinder, but not to test the lock's ability to withstand drilling. Drill the keyway with a number 20 (0.161 inch, 0.41 centimeter) diameter drill bit and insert a self tapping screw of size AB 12 at least 0.75 inches (1.90 centimeters) deep. Apply a required tension of 1,000 newtons (225 pounds force) axially between the case and installed screw. Failure occurs if the FSD can be opened by fifteen seconds of manipulation with an 8 to 10-inch (20.3 to 25.4-centimeter) long screwdriver with the largest flat blade (not to exceed 5/8 inch (1.6 centimeter)) that will fit into the keyway at the conclusion of the test. Failure also occurs if the FSD is disabled. If the self-tapping screw cannot be inserted at least 0.75 inches (1.90 centimeters), insert the screw as far as possible, continue with the test and document the depth to which the screw was inserted. The test does not need to be applied to keyways which cannot accept the self-tapping screw due to the keyway's size, design, or materials. In addition, if the FSD is of a design that it breaks the drill bit or self-tapping screw and prevents the test from being performed the test does not apply and does not need to be performed again on this device.

(7) Plug torque test (utilize a new FSD)(does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). This test is designed to test the ability of an FSD's keyway, if so equipped, to withstand torque pressures. Install the FSD in a rigid fixture such as a vise to support it firmly but not restrict free rotation of the plug in the cylinder. Insert a screwdriver with the largest flat blade (not to exceed 5/8 -inch (1.6 centimeter) that will fit into the keyway, so that a torque load of ten newton-meters (89 pounds force-inches) can be applied to the plug. The test technician may lightly tap the screwdriver blade into the keyway so that the blade is seated and torque can be applied. Care should be taken so as not to mar the keyway beyond what is necessary to create enough grip to perform the test. If a keyway resists the insertion of the screwdriver blade or deforms so that torque cannot be applied and the test cannot be performed, this test does not apply and does not need to be performed again on this device. Torque may be applied in any combination of clockwise or counterclockwise directions. Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled.

(8) Sawing test (does not apply if test cannot be performed on the device). Sawing tests shall be performed using a sawing machine or hand held saw. The FSD may be held with an appropriate fixture to hold the device steady while sawing. The sawing test is designed to determine the FSD's resistance to sawing of exposed components. Exposed components may include, but are not limited to, cables, lock bodies and hinges. The testing agent shall accomplish a test using a new standard carbon steel hacksaw blade with 32 teeth per inch (2.54 centimeters) with a constant vertical downward force of ten pounds (44.5 newtons). Only one saw blade shall be used during the test. The test shall consist of 60 cutting cycles per minute for two minutes by sawing machine, or 120 cycles, with no time limit, by hand. One cutting cycle is defined as the combination of one 6-inch forward and one 6-inch backward cutting motion. The saw attack may consist of a series of separate 120 cutting cycle attacks, but in no instance shall more than 120 cutting cycles be applied to any one "specified" location. For example, the testing agent may identify (specify) the hinge and lock body areas of an FSD as vulnerable to attack. A total of 120 cutting cycles may be applied to the hinge of the device and an additional 120 cutting cycles may be applied to the lock body of the device. At the conclusion of the sawing test, the testing agent shall manipulate the FSD for fifteen seconds by hand in an attempt to disable the FSD. Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled.

(d) In addition to the tests specified in subdivision (c) of this section, the Certified FSD Laboratory shall perform the following tests on a model of each FSD in which the firing chamber of the firearm is capable of accommodating a primed case with the firing chamber closed and the FSD properly installed, that is submitted to the laboratory for testing pursuant to these regulations. This requirement does not apply to an FSD that prevents access to the firearm by fully containing and enclosing the firearm (lock box type devices):

(1) (Utilize a new FSD). The FSD shall be activated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as specified in paragraphs (6), (9), and (10) of subdivision (b) of this section. The firearm shall be placed in a drop fixture capable of dropping the firearm from a drop height of one meter + one centimeter (39.4 inches + 0.4 inches) onto a slab of concrete having minimum dimensions of 7.5 centimeters X 15 centimeters X 15 centimeters (3 inches X 6 inches X 6 inches). The drop distance shall be measured from the lowermost portion of the weapon to the top surface of the slab. The firearm shall be dropped from a fixture and not from the hand. An approved drop fixture is a short piece of string with the firearm attached at one end and the other end held in an air vise until the drop is initiated. The firearm shall be dropped in the following orientations:

(A) Normal firing position with the barrel horizontal.

(B) Upside down with the barrel horizontal.

(C) If the firearm is a handgun, on the grip with the barrel vertical.

(D) On the muzzle with the barrel vertical.

(E) On either side with the barrel horizontal.

(F) If there is an exposed hammer or striker, on the rearmost point of the device, otherwise on the rearmost point of the weapon.

(2) At the conclusion of the drop test, the tester shall attempt to fire the firearm in an attempt to discharge the primed case. Failure occurs if the firearm can be operated manually, if a primed case is discharged during any of the drop tests, or if the FSD is disabled following any of the orientation drop tests.

(e) In addition to the tests specified in subdivision (c) of this section, the Certified FSD Laboratory shall perform the following tests on a model of each FSD that fully contains and encloses the firearm (lock box type devices) that is submitted to the laboratory for testing pursuant to these regulations. This requirement does not apply to any lock box type FSD that weighs more than 75 pounds (27.99 kilograms) or has a combined length and girth that is greater than or equal to 110 inches (279.4 centimeters):

(1) (Utilize a new FSD. Test shall be conducted with a firearm containing a primed case with the firing chamber closed inside the FSD. This test does not need to be performed with an approved drop fixture and may be performed by hand.) The FSD shall be dropped from a height of one meter + one centimeter (39.4 inches + 0.4 inches) onto a slab of concrete having minimum dimensions of 7.5 centimeters X 15 centimeters X 15 centimeters (3 inches X 6 inches X 6 inches). The drop distance shall be measured from the lowermost portion of the FSD to the top surface of the slab. The FSD shall be dropped in the following orientations:

(A) With the locking mechanism facing directly up.

(B) With the locking mechanism facing directly down.

(2) Failure occurs if the FSD is disabled or the firearm contained within the enclosed container discharges.

(f) Failure of any test occurs if the FSD is disabled, if the firearm is made to function, or if the firearm discharges the primed case during or as a result of the test. A failure of any one FSD in any of the tests constitutes a failure of the complete test.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 11, § 4095

1. Change without regulatory effect renumbering section 977.45 to section 4095 filed 6-28-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 26).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending section and NOTE filed 12-27-2011 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2011, No. 52).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 23650 and 23655, Penal Code. Reference: Sections 23650 and 23655, Penal Code.

1. Change without regulatory effect renumbering section 977.45 to section 4095 filed 6-28-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 26).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending section and Note filed 12-27-2011 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2011, No. 52).