Drawing a weapon is a move action, but if you have a BAB of +1 or higher you also get the option of doing it as a free action while performing a normal move.
In addition, if you have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, you can draw two weapons (one-handed or light) in the same amount of time (whether you do it as a move action, or as a free action combined with a move).
Drawing and nocking an arrow (for a bow) is a free action.
Reloading a crossbow, sling, or firearm uses various types of actions, depending on the specific weapon in question. For instance, it's a standard action to load one barrel of a one-handed, non-advanced firearm.
See this page for firearm rules.
To also point out, drawing a weapon doesn't provoke.
If you have to spend a move action anyways, keep in mind free actions to draw a weapon, or to even drop an object/weapon, and then draw one.
I am unsure if a charge can combine, and I'm unsure about clarification on if the move action must be distance based, but I believe those are yes to each.
I forgot to mention, the quick draw feat does exist too, and that makes drawing your weapon be only a free action.
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It's only a free action to draw a weapon as part of a move with BAB at least +1. Not viable for everyone at low levels, especially if you multiclass. Also, you can only draw one weapon (unless you have two weapon fighting), and can't draw non-weapons on the move (like wands).
You cannot draw as part of a charge, as it is not a move. You also cannot draw as part of a move action that is not actually a move, such as standing up.
During a move which involves distance, can I combine my free action of unstrapping a shield so I may drop it with drawing a weapon?
You cannot draw as part of a charge, as it is not a move. You also cannot draw as part of a move action that is not actually a move, such as standing up.
Not completely correct. PRD under "Charge" says:
If you move a distance equal to your speed or less, you can also draw a weapon during a charge attack if your base attack bonus is at least +1.
Granted, you don't see this very often, because if they can reach the bad guy in one move, most people would just "move and attack". But you can draw a weapon on a charge if you don't move more than your speed.
I can't believe that rule slipped my mind. I usually point that out because iirc on the charts it gets that little 4 citation. Thanks for catching that.