Holland&Holland wrote:This regulation would preclude the use of a centerfire handgun of any sort for small game hunting during the specified time.
Not if it was 1) a rimfire or 2) contained shot smaller than 4 buck[/quote]
I did say "centerfire handgun" in response to your first point while the Judge (and any copy cats) are legally defined as handguns rather than shotguns and would not be exempt even if using shotshells in reference to your second. One could carry such a firearm under the aegis of a carry permit but using such to take game during certain times of the year would not be in keeping with the law much like having a gun in one's possession while shining deer- even during the legal "shining" times.[/quote]
I saw you say "centerfire handgun" however if it is loaded with shot then it is by definition a shotgun is it not? Also, if you are licensed to hunt big game then carrying an item such as a Judge would be legal for that as well. Kinda handy, huh?[/quote]
A handgun such as the Judge IS NOT a shotgun by legal definition even if loaded with a shotshell. If what you say were true then one would need that pesky license from the BATFE to even possess the firearm.
As for the other issue, go back to the post that phrase originally and you will see that refers to the defined period of time before and after the firearms deer season during which it is not permitted to use any centerfire handgun, centerfire rifle, nor shotgun with slugs or shot of #4 buckshot or larger. Once the firearms deer season opens, one with a valid deer license can then carry any legal firearm for small game. And that would mean pheasants and Huns would only be legal game with the specified rimfires during this time if one wished to use a handgun or rifle.