Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Practice Exam

Black-powder firearms are indeed considered loaded when there is powder and/or a ball in the barrel. This is crucial because the presence of these components means the firearm is capable of being discharged, which poses a safety hazard. Understanding this definition of "loaded" is essential for anyone handling firearms, as it informs how one should treat a firearm in terms of safety measures.

The consideration of whether a firearm is loaded is not merely based on whether the hammer is cocked, its storage condition, or if it is at rest; rather, it crucially hinges on the presence of materials that can cause it to fire. Proper safety practices dictate treating every firearm as loaded unless you have confirmed otherwise.