State of Minnesota v. Corey Lynden Stone, A21-1648, Supreme Court, September 27, 2023

Summary

The court held that a disassembled and incomplete shotgun may qualify as a firearm under the statute when its parts remain an instrument designed for attack or defense that expels a projectile by explosive force. Because the statute focuses on possession and design rather than use, operability, completeness, or immediate ability to discharge, the court upheld the jury’s determination that Stone possessed a firearm and affirmed his conviction.