Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-11-101 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-11-101. Definitions.
Effective 5/7/2025
76-11-101.
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
| (1) |
| (a) | "Antique firearm" means:
| (i) | any firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system, manufactured in or before 1898; |
| (ii) | a firearm that is a replica of any firearm described in this Subsection (1)(a), if the replica:
| (A) | is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or |
| (B) | uses rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in ordinary channels of commercial trade; or |
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| (iii) |
| (A) | that is a muzzle loading rifle, shotgun, or pistol; and |
| (B) | is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and cannot use fixed ammunition. |
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| (b) | "Antique firearm" does not include:
| (i) | a weapon that incorporates a firearm frame or receiver; |
| (ii) | a firearm that is converted into a muzzle loading weapon; or |
| (iii) | a muzzle loading weapon that can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the:
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| (2) | "Bureau" means the Bureau of Criminal Identification created in Section 53-10-201 within the Department of Public Safety. |
| (3) |
| (a) | "Dangerous weapon" means:
| (ii) | an object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. |
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| (b) | The following factors are used in determining whether any object, other than a firearm, is a dangerous weapon:
| (i) | the location and circumstances in which the object was used or possessed; |
| (ii) | the primary purpose for which the object was made; |
| (iii) | the character of the wound, if any, produced by the object's unlawful use; |
| (iv) | the manner in which the object was unlawfully used; |
| (v) | whether the manner in which the object is used or possessed constitutes a potential imminent threat to public safety; and |
| (vi) | the lawful purposes for which the object may be used. |
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| (c) | "Dangerous weapon" does not include an explosive, chemical, or incendiary device as defined by Section 76-15-210. |
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| (4) | "Firearm" means:
| (a) | a pistol, revolver, shotgun, short barreled shotgun, rifle, or short barreled rifle; or |
| (b) | a device that could be used as a dangerous weapon from which a projectile is expelled by an explosive action. |
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| (5) | "Handgun" means a pistol, revolver, or other firearm of any description, from which a shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged, the length of which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches. |
| (6) | "Minor" means an individual under 18 years old. |
| (7) |
| (a) | "Short barreled rifle" means a rifle having a barrel or barrels of fewer than 16 inches in length. |
| (b) | "Short barreled rifle" includes a dangerous weapon made from a rifle by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of fewer than 26 inches. |
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| (8) |
| (a) | "Short barreled shotgun" means a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of fewer than 18 inches in length. |
| (b) | "Short barreled shotgun" includes a dangerous weapon made from a shotgun by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of fewer than 26 inches. |
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| (9) | "Shotgun" means a smooth bore firearm designed to fire cartridges containing pellets or a single slug. |
| (10) | "Slug" means a single projectile discharged from a shotgun shell. |
| (11) | "Violent felony" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-3-203.5. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
173, 2025 General Session
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
208, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-11-101
What does Utah Code § 76-11-101 cover?
Section 76-11-101 ("Definitions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 76-11-101?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-11-101" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 76-11-101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
