Trying to "common sense" your way into understanding the 941.23 Carrying concealed weapon statute will be frustrating and confusing. You need to follow the trail of legal definitions and terminology, this will help.
First, understand the definition of "Dangerous weapon" as it is used in 941.23 (and many other statutes).
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/I/22 You will note that it includes both loaded and unloaded firearms.
Second, reading the 941.23 Carrying concealed weapon. statute will help understand what is involved in this charge.
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/23 When viewing the statute here, you will see other links that, for example, would allow you to drill down thru a reference to 175.60(1)(j)
At the bottom of the statute, thru this link, you will see some of the various case law (court decisions) that has had to do with this statute in the past. Notice that this statute also does not differentiate between a weapon cased or not cased.
Case law has taken the phrase "going armed with" in State v Asfoor
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_c...1&q=249+N.W.2d+529&hl=en&as_sdt=4,50&as_vis=1 [19]
Another significant case law precedent is State v. Walls, 1994 courts 526 N.W.2d 765 at 72 clarified crime of concealed carry for jury instruction:
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_c...4&q=526+N.W.2d+765&hl=en&as_sdt=4,50&as_vis=1
As you read the above from State v. Walls, note that whether a firearm is loaded/unloaded, cased/uncased doesn't make a difference.
If you do not have a CCL valid in Wisconsin, be aware that you could be in danger of violating 941.23 as it is currently being interpreted, if the weapon is NOT in a place that is impossible to reach quickly, such as the trunk. In the past, violations have been sustained for handguns in closed gloveboxes, and center consoles, under seats, and back seats.
One recent change in the legal environment, was that in November of 1998 (after most of the case law decisions), the Wisconsin constitution was amended, to better align with 2nd amendment of the United States:
Article 1 Section 25, Wisconsin Constitution
Right to keep and bear arms. SECTION 25. [As created
Nov. 1998]
The people have the right to keep and bear arms for
security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.[1995 J.R. 27, 1997 J.R. 21, vote November 1998]
The Nov. 1, 2011 changes in the transportation statute 167.31are also a factor in the changed legal environment.