Hunting & Fishing 1911 useage WA state

[ArcticLight]

Anyone in LE -

Used to be you could NOT hunt with a 45 ACP 1911.

Now it only states 4" bbl required.

Girlfriend would like to go - holding a rifle in offhand won't work (Prone would) but she's a killer shot with the 1911 - so if it's legal she's going to tag al ong hunting this year..

Anyone know for sure?

 

[Pat M]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

I think the velocity is not high enough to qualify.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

Where did you see a velocity spec? The on ly thing in the hunting reg is that it has to be 4"...

That's the confusing part..

<span style="font-weight: bold"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Handguns:
Big game, except cougar, may be hunted with
handguns with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches
per manufacturers specification, and fire a minimum
24 caliber centerfire cartridge. Cougar may be
hunted with 22 caliber centerfire handgun. Rimfire
handguns are not legal for big game.
</div></div></span>

 

[264win]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

im not le . i would really recomend you call the main dept of fish and wildlife office in olyimpia and ask someone in enforcement . i have had a few tough questions in the past and found they were very helpful . you might also note who answers your question and the date and time in case there was difference of opinion with local le.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

Called and left a message for Eric...LT of enforcement - thanks...

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

You have the right setion of game regs, ArcticLight.

The 1911 is well in excess of .24 caliber.

If the factory barrel length is > 4 inches your 1911 is GTG


Ethics of using .45 is individual choice.

In the right scenario (close range brush hunting on the wet side) and a decent shot placement,, I think a 1911 could work fine for her.

 

[Pat M]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

But .357 magnum is not allowed for big game here, not even .357 magnum rifle which would spank a .45 (Washington's Hunting is getting even more f-ed up)

 

[Pat M]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

here is some talk, http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16804

Hunter education staff members recommend that you check with them at 360-902-8111 if you have any doubt about the use of a particular handgun for big game hunting.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

Our deer top out at 150lbs for a big one.

If I can't take a 150lb deer with a 1911 I'm selling the damn thing because it won't stop a man if it won't stop a 150lb deer LOL

Used to be .41 minimum on handgun.

I have a message in already to the state enforcement officer - expecting a call back tomorrow.

Brush hunting yes....

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But .357 magnum is not allowed for big game here, not even .357 magnum rifle which would spank a .45 (Washington's Hunting is getting even more f-ed up) </div></div>

That's open for debate..LOL

The beauty of the 230gr Federal HYdrashock is that it's going to stop and expend ALL energy inside the animal.

A .357 and my neighbors 300 WSSM go right through the deer - his bullet did not even expand (300 WSSM)...that's like using a 105mm on a person...LOL

 

[AK10mm]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But .357 magnum is not allowed for big game here, not even .357 magnum rifle which would spank a .45 (Washington's Hunting is getting even more f-ed up) </div></div>

OLD rules covered minimum FP energy on rifles also,not so anymore.It is all out the window now.A 357 is legal,and sad to say,so is a 38 Special or even a 9mm Luger.Not something I would use,but,it is legal.

Minimum FP energy was @ 100yds

 

[Pat M]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

Gosh dang it - that was my excuse to buy a .44 Desert Eagle

 

[AK10mm]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

@Pat M,buy it anyway,you need more range in NCW

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

FINAL WORD FROM FISH AND GAME!!!!!!!!!!



There no longer is a restriction on handguns - must have a 4" bbl and MUST be over .24


This means 'LEGALLY' I could hunt with a 9mm. I would not but legally I can.


.357 legal.
1911 45 ACP LEGAL

I have the voice mail saved to prove it!

 

[1911gunner]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

You are good to go for sure. I also asked about that last year when I wanted to carry my 1911 while hunting and was given the go ahead by DFW. Tell her we wish her luck! Pics if it works out for her.

 

[tireys]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think the velocity is not high enough to qualify. </div></div>

A 230gr. well contructed bullet from a 1911 would have more than enough velocity and energy to cleanly kill a deer. The only limitation I would suggest is range. Say inside of 20-25 yard range it would be very capable. It would kill a man for sure so what it the difference?

 

[Pat M]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

I know it would kill a deer,
it's just Washington state that had things so screwed up. Washington State you can hunt deer with a 4" 9mm pistol or 7.62x39 but can not hunt them with .223 or 5.56

 

[Decoy]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

Just don't used a supressed 1911...that's another bag of worms.

 

[robescc]

Re: 1911 useage WA state

You use to not be able to even use a 45LC. They finaly wised up a few years ago. Many guys that don't bother reading the regs still give me problems for packing my .357 as a side arm when I am hunting. I have taken 2 deer on Whidbey Island with it. It is more than enough to take a deer. I would shoot one with my 1911 with the proper load and conditions but I have a Kimber CDPII Pro model and the manufacture's spec is under 4". Oh well.