DraftDraft definitions, under editorial review. Informational content is not legal advice.
Draftcarrying-and-transportation
Loaded firearm has context-dependent statutory meanings. Section 16840(b) describes an unexpended cartridge or shell in or attached to the firearm, including its chamber or attached magazine, for the provisions it identifies; it separately addresses muzzle-loaders. [1] Section 16840(a), for section 25800, uses a different formulation involving immediate possession of both the firearm and suitable ammunition. [1] These express scopes matter, and a single abbreviated definition should not be presented as controlling every California firearm provision. [1]
- 1. Penal Code §16840retrieved 2026-10-04
See also
- ammunitionDraft
Penal Code section 16150 generally defines ammunition as one or more loaded cartridges containing a primed case, propellant and one or more projectiles, excluding blanks.
About this glossary
This entry is one of 153 defined terms in the CalGunHub glossary of California and federal firearm-law vocabulary. The 11 core terms are short plain-English definitions; the extended terms are cited research drafts, labelled as drafts, with their statutory sources listed under each entry. Every definition here is informational only and is not legal advice.
Get the weekly Roster and Law brief
One email a week on California roster changes, new laws and court rulings. Alerts when something changes.