Clarify this: In GA, the law states that one can conceal carry in their car as long as its not loaded. What constitutes a loaded gun?

2016-05-01T10:15:08-04:00

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 1 at 2016 10:52 AM

2016-05-01T10:52:07-04:00

An UNLOADED weapon has no round in chamber/cylinder and either an empty magazine or NO magazine.

So without looking up the State statute "Loaded" is Magazine with Rounds Inserted into Weapon. Live round in chamber is likely not a requirement (think Revolver as the NEXT round in cylinder is the one that fires).

But look up the State Statute.

Just because a weapon isn't ready to fire doesn't mean it's unloaded.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 1 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-05-01T10:53:34-04:00

Typically "loaded" is any round in the chamber or loaded magazine which is inserted into the weapon. "Unloaded" means chamber clear and empty magazine or loaded magazine removed. Civilian legal definitions are worded differently than terms like "battery" that we grew up with in the service. So if you're going to keep a weapon in the car, usually a semi-auto is preferred as you can more quickly bring it on line by inserting a loaded magazine. BTW, effective 1 JUL any adult resident of our state can conceal carry without a permit. Won't make much of a difference as a high percentage where I'm at pack anyways.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made May 1 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-05-01T12:49:03-04:00

Looking at the law is out of the question? (the answer lies in the statute)
Try google for the definitive answer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-05-01T12:49:48-04:00

why is this even a question, if you got round in the chamber its loaded, if it got a clip loaded w/o round in chamber its still loaded move on

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 1 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-05-01T17:39:24-04:00

Can't say I know for certain in GA but in North Dakota I'm pretty sure having a round chambered is the only thing not allowed. Otherwise most people in ND hunt so you could bet money that many vehicles you drive past have a firearm with bullets ready to go, just not chambered.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made May 2 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-05-02T09:57:48-04:00

OH BOY DID YOU SCREWW THIS SURVEY UP. Battery and chambered mean almost the same thing...you pull the trigger and the gun should go bang. Now most states are consistent as to what a loaded gun is, be it revolver (for you wheel gun lovers) or semiautomatic pistol. It is loaded simply because a "live" round(s) is/are in the chamber(s). An unloaded revolver is when all 4/5/6 chambers are cleared. An unloaded semiautomatic pistol the chamber is empty whether there is be an empty magazine in the magazine well or not. Some states (CA in particular) consider a semiautomatic pistol as "loaded" if there is a magazine with rounds in the magazine well even though there is no round in the chamber. Did this answer your question?

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 2 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-02T11:16:56-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - I consider a weapon loaded if there is a round in the chamber. However for my work, I travel through seven different states. Each one has a slightly different definition: Loaded magazine/inserted, Ammo w/in "arms reach", un-loaded magazine/not inserted, etc. My recommendation is to make a quick visit to your local Sheriff's or Police Department --and get their local definition.