What states have a minimum barrel length for handguns for hunting? Here in Michigan we do not have one. I read in Ohio it has to be 5". What other states have a minimum length and what is it?

I believe the 5 inch here in Ohio is only on whitetails.

From definitions~
Handgun-is any pistol or revolver intended to be aimed and fired with one hand, and having a barrel length not exceeding 16 inches.

Manner of Taking~
It is illegal to take or hunt wildlife:
with any semi-automatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, EXCEPT the following semi-automatic firearms:

1. firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or
2. firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined, or
3. autoloading pistols with a barrel length of less than eight inches.

Possession of firearms~
Possession of handguns in New York State requires a NYS Pistol Permit. New York does not recognize permits issued by other states.


So the barrel can be any lenght up to 16". If it's a semi auto it has to less than 8", unless a rimfire or the capacity is reduced to 6 total.

None here in Pa.

4" in WV.

4" here in Indiana, also.

none in Oregon

Ohio is 5", Not sure if the game warden brings his tape measure though.

None in Virginia and I don't believe Texas has one. I'm pretty sure Kentucky has a 6" minimum for Elk but I'm not sure about other species. I've never understood why game departments seem to feel the need to regulate barrel length. They should know it's all about the shooter and if a scope is attached then barrel length is irrelevant.

Colorado has a minimum barrel length of 4 inches. And for caliber: (quote) "Must use a min. .24-caliber (6 mm) diameter expanding bullet." I guess that knocks hard cast lead bullets right out of the equation, right??? LOL

Another retarded regulation :-(

I suspect any projectile, including a hardcast lead, will expand. It just that you might need a micrometer to measure it.

Whoever thought gun laws/regulations ever made sense or had any connection with logic or reality.

5 inch minimum barrel length in Wisconsin. Our caliber requirement is "any centerfire cartridge" ... I took 2 does a few years ago with my Encore in .223 one of them had a hole going IN big enough to put your fist through. Must have hit a rib.

Back in 1972 when I met my wife, Louisiana had a min of 6" barrel for handgun.

MS has no barrel or caliber restrictions.

Oklahoma's is 4" big game, none on small game.

CA 4"