Zone 4 Pistol

[AWarrior]

I would like to use a Thompson Contender in 30-30 caliber to hunt in Zone 4 (shotgun)

I looked in the 2006 regulations and do not see the 30-30 caliber as a legal handgun. It is listed in the approved rifle cartridges. Does that mean I can use it in a handgun???

[Swamp Scooter]

The 30-30 is not a handgun cartridge though. I think there is also a barrel length requirement to keep it as a pistol and I think the Thompson's have a longer barrel than specified. Not for sure but that is what I remember. You cannot use a .44 mag rifle in shotgun areas but a .44 mag pistol is OK.

[lcornice]

Quote:

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I would like to use a Thompson Contender in 30-30 caliber to hunt in Zone 4 (shotgun)

I looked in the 2006 regulations and do not see the 30-30 caliber as a legal handgun. It is listed in the approved rifle cartridges. Does that mean I can use it in a handgun???

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The T/C in 30-30 handgun would be legal during the shotgun season. If it's an approved rifle cartridge and it's used in a handgun, it's still legal.

[Powerstroke]

Not to discount the answers of anyone here, but I would call your local CO or talk to the DNR directly to get a proper answer.

It would be my understanding that since you are using the actual rifle cartridge in your T/C then it is considered a rifle. A perfect comparison was made with the .44, You may use a .44 handgun, but the handgun does not use teh same cartridge that a .44 rifle would use.

The difference would be in the powder charge and the available reach of the weapon. A .30-30 even shot form a pistol can still be lethal beyond 100yds even if your pistol can't be that accurate.

[Code-Man]

The way I heard it was a pistol is a pistol no matter what it is as long as it's the min. requirement. I do know they state in the rules what is considered a pistol and stuff so check it out and if in doubt call the CO out hehehe I'm so funny...It's always best to ask before he starts writing your ticket out.

[HunterLee]

Its legal to use that. I was going to get a 280 or 260 pistol for hunting. But when things got changed i didnt have to worry bout that. Its not going to make you a better shot just going to give you a little more range.

[lcornice]

A pistol is a pistol, regardless of caliber. If it is a legal rifle cartridge in a handgun it's automatically legal. Personally, I live in the shotgun zone and just picked up a used T/C encore in 260. I can't wait to give it a whirl!

[TUMBLEWEED]

A T/C in 30-30 would be legal in the shotgun zones.

My Savage Striker pistol in 308 has been with me

lots of times in 3A's hunts. I bring it down when

I sit on a field edge, or other spots where I need

more gun than my 12Ga pump.

[Powerstroke]

I guess that it would probably be legal then, but I guess it defeats the purpose of making these ares shotgun only. A T/C with a set of shooting sticks and you could make a pretty long shot.

[Huskiedevle]

The deciding factor as to whether the gun is a rifle, or a pistol,regardless if it is a rifle caliber ,is the length of the stock. Can the weapon be fitted with a semi-full or full length stock? T/C can be fitted with a full length, or almost full length stock, making it a true rifle. A friend has hunted with one in .270 Win. for a few years, in Zone 2/NW MN.Barrel length is the other factor whether it is a rifle, or pistol.His T/C has a 16 inch barrel with the regular pistol frame. Nice gun.