California legal term
firearm in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “firearm” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “firearm” mean in California criminal law?
“firearm” means a device, designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel, a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion. (Cal. Penal Code § 16520)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.