Whether the object can actually discharge a projectile. It is an element the Crown must prove, judged on the whole of the evidence about the weapon as it was found.
Cases that turn on it
The 2 real Canadian cases in the library whose brief uses this term. Read the facts, then decide — the verdict stays in the game.
The Gun Without a Magazine2025R v Donawa — Multiple firearm offences turning on the definition of 'firearm' (s. 2) · Supreme Court of Canada (Ontario)
Is It Real?2026R v Al-Gburi — Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (s. 95(2)), possession knowing it unauthorized (s. 92(3)), possession while prohibited (s. 117.01(3)) · Court of Appeal for Ontario
Related category: Firearms & Weapons
Possession, careless storage, pointing, discharging and trafficking — the Criminal Code firearm and weapons offences, and what the Crown has to prove about the gun itself. The newest Firearms & Weapons cases in the library:
The Threat in the Range2004R v Kerr — Possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace (s. 88) · Supreme Court of Canada (Alberta)
The Glock in the Duplex2024R v Dupray — Possession of a loaded restricted firearm without authorization (s. 95(1)) · Supreme Court of British Columbia
From the Porch2026R v Munroe — Reckless discharge of a restricted or prohibited firearm (s. 244.2) · Court of Appeal for Ontario
The Air Pistol on Video2013R v Dunn — Pointing a firearm (s. 87), careless handling (s. 86), weapon for a dangerous purpose (s. 88), concealed weapon (s. 90) · Court of Appeal for Ontario
A new real Canadian case every day. Read the brief, weigh the Crown against the defence, commit to a verdict, then see what the court decided — and why.