This is from the South Carolina (my state) code of laws
http://www.sled.sc.gov/SCStateGunLaws1.aspx?MenuID=CWP
The first section excludes antique firearms in the definition of handgun but it still calls them
"firearms".
The wording second section appears to include them in the definition of a
weapon.
The third section tells about the penalty for carrying a concealed
weapon.
I posted this to show that we need to be careful about perceived loopholes because what looks like a loophole in one section of the law may be closed in another section based on how it is interpreted.
SECTION 16-23-10. Definitions.
When used in this article:
(1) "Handgun" means any firearm designed to expel a projectile and designed to be fired from the hand, but shall not include any
firearm generally recognized or classified as an antique, curiosity, or collector's item, or any that does not fire fixed cartridges.
SECTION 16-23-405. Definition of "weapon"; confiscation and disposition of weapons used in commission or in furtherance of crime.
(A) Except for the provisions relating to rifles and shotguns in Section 16-23-460, as used in this chapter,
"weapon" means firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol, or similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive), a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, or any other type of device, or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death
SECTION 16-23-460. Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture of weapons.
(A) A person carrying a deadly weapon usually used for the infliction of personal injury concealed about his person is guilty of a misdemeanor, must forfeit to the county, or, if convicted in a municipal court, to the municipality, the concealed weapon, and must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days.
(B) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(1) A person carrying a concealed weapon upon his own premises or pursuant to and in compliance with Article 4, Chapter 31 of Title 23; or
(2) peace officers in the actual discharge of their duties.
(C) The provisions of this section also do not apply to rifles, shotguns, dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, knives, or razors unless they are used with the intent to commit a crime or in furtherance of a crime.