Quote History Quoted:
The courts ruled that having ammo attached to the firearm, like in a sidesaddle, for example, does not make the firearm loaded and thus does not violate the law. It has to be in a position to be chambered/fired. Only "concealable weapons " (handguns, SBRs, SBSs, etc.) have to be locked up.
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Got a cite? Because this:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=16840.
16840.
(a) As used in Section 25800, a firearm shall be deemed to be “loaded” whenever both the firearm and the unexpended ammunition capable of being discharged from the firearm are in the immediate possession of the same person.
(b) As used in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 4 of Title 4, in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c) of Section 25400, and in Sections 25850 to 26055, inclusive,
(1) A firearm shall be deemed to be “loaded” when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell, consisting of a case that holds a charge of powder and a bullet or shot, in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip thereof attached to the firearm.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a muzzle-loader firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinder.
("including but not limited to" can result in problems because it yields a moving target in trying to get compliance. Section 25800 deals with carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony, outside the typical scope of discussions here.)