Penal Code section 16520


(a)

As used in this part, “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.

(b)

As used in the following provisions, “firearm” includes the frame or receiver of the weapon, including both a completed frame or receiver, or a firearm precursor part:

(1)

Section 136.2.

(2)

Section 646.91.

(3)

Section 16515 and 16517.

(4)

Section 16550.

(5)

Section 16730.

(6)

Section 16960.

(7)

Section 16990.

(8)

Section 17070.

(9)

Section 17310.

(10)

Section 18100 to 18500, inclusive.

(11)

Section 23690.

(12)

Section 23900 to 23925, inclusive.

(13)

Commencing on July 1, 2026, Section 25250 to 25275, inclusive.

(14)

Section 26500 to 26590, inclusive.

(15)

Section 26600 to 27140, inclusive.

(16)

Section 27200 to 28490, inclusive.

(17)

Section 29010 to 29150, inclusive.

(18)

Section 29185.

(19)

Section 29610 to 29750, inclusive.

(20)

Section 29800 to 29905, inclusive.

(21)

Section 30150 to 30165, inclusive.

(22)

Section 31615.

(23)

Section 31700 to 31830, inclusive.

(24)

Section 34355 to 34370, inclusive.

(25)

Section 527.6 to 527.9, inclusive, of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(26)

Section 8100 to 8108, inclusive, of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(27)

Section 15657.03 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(c)

As used in the following provisions, “firearm” also includes a rocket, rocket propelled projectile launcher, or similar device containing an explosive or incendiary material, whether or not the device is designed for emergency or distress signaling purposes:

(1)

Section 16750.

(2)

Subdivision (b) of Section 16840.

(3)

Section 25400.

(4)

Section 25850 to 26025, inclusive.

(5)

Subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 26030.

(6)

Section 26035 to 26055, inclusive.

(d)

As used in the following provisions, “firearm” does not include an unloaded antique firearm:

(1)

Section 16730.

(2)

Section 16550.

(3)

Section 16960.

(4)

Section 17310.

(5)

Subdivision (b) of Section 23920.

(6)

Section 25135.

(7)

Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 26350) of Division 5 of Title 4.

(8)

Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 26400) of Division 5 of Title 4.

(9)

Section 26500 to 26588, inclusive.

(10)

Section 26700 to 26915, inclusive.

(11)

Section 27510.

(12)

Section 27530.

(13)

Section 27540.

(14)

Section 27545.

(15)

Section 27555 to 27585, inclusive.

(16)

Section 29010 to 29150, inclusive.

(17)

Section 29180.

(e)

As used in Section 34005 and 34010, “firearm” does not include a destructive device.

(f)

As used in Section 17280 and 24680, “firearm” has the same meaning as in Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

(g)

As used in Section 29180 to 29184, inclusive, “firearm” includes the completed frame or receiver of a weapon.
Last Updated

May 12, 2025

§ 16520’s source at ca​.gov