New PA Hunting Regulations

[WRideout]

Mod: if this is in the wrong section, please move it.

I have hunted State Gameland 203 in Allegheny County for several years now, always with inline ML or shotgun and slugs. Allegheny County was always special regulation, no centerfire rifles.
This year, the Game Commission is allowing rifles with straight wall cases. Does anyone have a clear definition of which cartridges are allowed, and if handguns can be used, like elsewhere in the commonwealth?

Wayne

[JoeG52]

I am not sure what they consider 'straight-walled'. The digest specifically says RIFLES chambered for straight-walled centerfire cartridges, so no to handguns.

[GregLaROCHE]

I’ve heard about that before in different areas. Bottleneck cases are presumed higher pressure guns and the projectiles could have a longer range. It makes sense to me if you can shoot a slug through a 12ga rifled barrel with a scope, why shouldn’t you be able to shoot a 45/70 as well.

[725]

Maryland went here a year or two ago. Can't comment on handguns, but I'd take it as written: any straightway. 45-70, 357 max,
.458 WM, .38-55, etc. just no bottlenecks.

[a danl]

I am not sure what they consider 'straight-walled'. The digest specifically says RIFLES chambered for straight-walled centerfire cartridges, so no to handguns.

45/70 38/55 44mag 357mag etc no handguns rifles only no bottle neck ctgs

[Thin Man]

Sounds to me like a great opportunity to un-case your favorite 375 Winchester caliber rifle.

[pworley1]

It looks like a move in the right direction.

[Sasquatch-1]

Can't you call the DNR?

[rkrcpa]

Revolvers and single shots are included in the straight wall category. The Digest is worded poorly, the actual law allows for manually operated handguns.

[WRideout]

Revolvers and single shots are included in the straight wall category. The Digest is worded poorly, the actual law allows for manually operated handguns.

I wondered about that. I will contact the local Game Commission office to confirm. I have considered using my 357 revolver for deer, especially since I missed an easy running shot on a doe due to scope on the rifle having small field of view that close.

Wayne

[JoeG52]

Revolvers and single shots are included in the straight wall category. The Digest is worded poorly, the actual law allows for manually operated handguns.
That is true for most of the state but I think the special regulations zones do not allow centerfire handguns.

[WRideout]

After a phone call to the Game Commission, here is what I found out: 1. There is no definition of cartridges aside from "straight wall." Presumably 38/357, 9mm para, 40 S&W, etc. would all be allowed in a manually operated rifle. 2. Handguns are not allowed in a special regulation area under the straight wall definition. 3. Muzzle loader rules remain as they were.

Anybody have a Spanish Destroyer carbine for sale?

Wayne

[Noah Zark]

405 Winchester, coming right up!

That cartridge is no doubt an unintended consequence of an ambiguous regulation.

Noah

[geezer56]

Don't rule out the 350 Legend. I built an AR in that caliber, just for grins and giggles. I have been surprised. I killed a couple of pigs, one over 200 lbs, and 2 does. Very effective round. Also available in bolt guns and single shot rifle. You can usually find ammo and it is almost affordable.