Handgun hunting - Min. barrel length per state?

crsuribe · 02-22-2011, 00:57

Hello!

I was wondering, is there somewhere I can find info on the minimum barrel length required by each state for handgun hunting? I'm trying to decide what length I should order my hunting barrel in, so that it's allowed everywhere in the States. I'm hoping it'll be less than 6".

So far I know WI requires 5.5" so I guess somewhere between that and 6"?

noway · 02-22-2011, 03:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by crsuribe

Hello!

I was wondering, is there somewhere I can find info on the minimum barrel length required by each state for handgun hunting? I'm trying to decide what length I should order my hunting barrel in, so that it's allowed everywhere in the States. I'm hoping it'll be less than 6".

So far I know WI requires 5.5" so I guess somewhere between that and 6"?

Florida = no such law

btw: a longer barrels helps in alot of ways, more velocity and with non-Optics, better sights & accuracy. I would go with the longest bbl handgun that you can find. In my dedicated handguns for hunting ( ruger, TC & sw ) all are over 6" if that helps.

If I could find a 9" bbl revolver used, I would carry that

357glocker · 02-22-2011, 07:10

Nebraska does not have a min barrel length. They have a 400ft/lb energy requirement at 50 yards.

You would really have to check all the states that you're interested in. Some go by caliber restriction, some go by case length, some go by barrel length and others go by energy restrictions.

crsuribe · 02-22-2011, 07:30

Ohio only requires a 5" barrel and .357 and up for white tail deer. All other game has no restrictions on handguns. And I heard Wisconsin wants 5.5" bbl

357glocker · 02-22-2011, 10:49

Not sure if you are looking for all states or just specific ones, but I'd google the ones you want and look at the big game regulations.
Nebraska:
http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/huntin...deermaster.pdf

vafish · 02-22-2011, 18:51

Va has no barrel length restrictions but handguns must be at least .23 cal and have 350 ft lbs muzzle energy.

vafish · 02-22-2011, 19:11

Va has no barrel length restrictions but handguns must be at least .23 cal and have 350 ft lbs muzzle energy.

ithaca_deerslayer · 02-23-2011, 14:15

No minimum here in NYS.

But I doubt you will legally be able to handgun hunt in NYS, if you live out of state.

For auto-loaders holding more than 5 rounds in the mag, I believe the barrel cannot be 8" or more. (I don't plan on getting a .44 mag autoloader).

Barrel max for all handguns is 16".

chevy01234 · 02-24-2011, 14:04

No min length or caliber in MS!

sourdough44 · 03-05-2011, 02:53

If I was looking for a hunting handgun I'd go with 6" or more anyway,that should cover a guy about anywhere he wanted to go. If I wanted to carry while walking in the woods I'd usually go shorter so it carries easier. I'd go 6" to 7.5" for more dedicated hunting. If I went with a single shot(TC type) break action I may go a bit longer.

crsuribe · 03-05-2011, 09:20

Yeah I'm gonna go with a 6incher.