to update - had my CPD buddy/neighbor look into this a bit. he said he's going to try to run this by a prosecutor, but gave me some info, with the disclaimer that he's not a lawyer, so dont rely on this 100%.
few things he gave me though -
with this, he basically said this is talking about a LOADED handgun. he said if the handgun is not loaded, you would be in compliance with this.
with this, he said firearm is defined as "any gun wether loaded or unloaded, that is in working order", and under 2923.11 (B)(1) "firearm" means any deadly weapon capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant, the trier of fact may rely upon circumstantial evidence, including, but not limited to, the representations and actions of the individual exercising control over the firearm"
he made clear though, that there is a difference between CARRYING (ie, on your person) or TRANSPORTING (ie, in your trunk, unloaded). he said by these laws (and again, not a lawyer, and going to get back to me once he talks to prosecutor), if you have had any drinks, and you have your firearm, in your trunk (in a locked box even better), unloaded, you are considered as "transporting" it, and unloaded would not be illegal. he did say though that in the case of say, you get home after drinking, go into your trunk to take your gun inside, that is now considered as "carrying", and technically you could get nailed for that, but what are the chances a cop is going to be sitting by your door waiting...he said safest bet is just to leave it in the trunk until the next morning.
he also did say, that basically with CHL holders, once you have anything to drink, your CHL basically no longer applies because you're considered as under the influence of alcohol
ill update if/when i hear anything else