Written and proficiency tests urged for handgun owners California handgun owners would have to demonstrate proficiency on the firing range if legislation proposed Monday becomes law. However, a spokesman said Gov. Gray Davis remains cool to more gun laws unless there is an outcry from law enforcement officials. California has the toughest state laws in the nation on gun ownership.Gun buyers currently have to pass a written test administered by gun shops, which proponents say is a conflict of interest. They want local police to conduct the written and proficiency tests, as well as background checks on gun buyers. "We've ...