and this is what the NYS Penal Law considers a "loaded firearm".....
15. "Loaded firearm" means any firearm loaded with ammunition or any firearm which is possessed by one who, at the same time, possesses a quantity of ammunition which may be used to discharge such firearm".......
and I was told first hand by an ECO, that he has written under the NYS Penal Law instead of the ECL in cases when he finds some with a long gun on the front seat and ammo right next to it...not always, but he can.