Which statement best captures the meaning of brandishing in firearm laws?

• A. Displaying a firearm in a threatening or menacing way not reasonably necessary for self-defense
• B. Carrying a firearm in a holster during a hunt
• C. Loading a firearm for range use
• D. Presenting a firearm to a child for training

Answer: (A)

Brandishing means displaying a firearm in a way that is threatening or menacing and not reasonably necessary for self-defense. The statement that describes showing a firearm to intimidate someone, rather than for a legitimate defensive purpose, matches this definition. It covers actions like pointing, waving, or presenting the gun to scare others. The other scenarios don’t fit brandishing: carrying a firearm in a holster during a hunt is a common, lawful activity; loading a firearm for range use is preparation for a sanctioned activity; presenting a firearm to a child for training is unsafe and inappropriate for many reasons, and not about intimidation in the moment.