What would the weight of the firearm change to if it were loaded?

When determining the weight of a firearm when loaded, it's important to consider the standard weight of the firearm itself and the weight of the ammunition added. The weight of the firearm increases because the ammunition being loaded into it adds mass. In this case, the correct choice indicates that loading the firearm increases its weight to 9.8 lbs, which signifies the total weight after including the ammunition.

This choice is accurate as it likely reflects the typical weight of a specific type of firearm with a designated pre-loaded weight along with a realistic expectation of the added weight from the ammo. Understanding the impact of loading ammunition is crucial for handling, safety, and performance considerations in activities like color guard where precision and equipment handling can be paramount.