FIREARM

A "firearm" is any sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver or other weapon, whether loaded or unloaded from which a shot may be discharged.  You must find that the firearm was operable at the time of the offense.

Source:  General Statutes § 53a-3 (19) (applies to Penal Code).

Commentary:  The phrase "from which a shot may be discharged" in the definition of "firearm" has been interpreted as requiring that the firearm is operable.  The operability of the firearm is a factual finding for the jury.  State v. Belanger, 55 Conn. App. 2, 7, cert. denied, 251 Conn. 921, cert. denied, 530 U.S. 1205, 120 S.Ct. 2200, 147 L.Ed.2d 235 (1999).   

Glossary