[Joe the Logger]

I was asked this question a few minutes ago, I don't know how to respond. The Rossi 45LC/.410 revolving rifle ( 5 shot capacity )
Can you legally hunt small game with it loaded with .410 shotshells? If you can, can you load all five cylinders or only three? Insight much appreciated.

 

[bushmaster]

I own one and have hunted sqirrel with it. It comes with a plug that slides into 2 cylinders. Some guys say it's legal some guys say it's not. Still looking for the answer myself. Gun shoots nice, I put a scope on it, nice groups at 50 yards with 45 long colts.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Does the gun have to be taken apart to insert and remove the plug?

If it is a rifled barrel and center fire is it required to be under 23 caliber for small game?

The rules say a centerfire rifle or pistol must be under 23 caliber. A Muzzleloader rifle or pistol must be 40 cal or under.

The regulations regulate the firearm to be legal. Switching ammunition doesn't really change the type of firearm.

 

[bushmaster]

Open cylinder insert plug.

45 cal. rifled barrel centerfire

So I guess the answer is, it's not legal.

 

[Lifes2Fun]

The BWP has deemed that gun lawful for small game and turkey as long as you are using the proper shot size and only have it loaded to 3 shells

 

[bushmaster]

So I guess I was legal while squirrel hunting?

 

[Lifes2Fun]

As long as you were using proper shot size and only had 3 shells loaded into the cylinder
Yes

 

[bushmaster]

It was 410 6 shot If I remember right. Could have been 8. Gun plugged to 3 rounds anyway. Not real good past 25 yards. It's just a fun gun to shoot.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Sounds like another instance of ignoring the rules to do what they want. Sort of like saying muzzle loaders can use peep sights when the regulation clearly says open sights only.

 

[BCozhunter]

Let's keep it on topic.

 

[bushmaster]

It would be nice to get a definative answer on the gun. I really didn't plan on hunting with it when I bought it, but it would be nice to know for sure if your legal or not if ya do.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Bushmaster: The regulation clearly states that centerfire rifles and handguns MUST be 23 caliber or smaller for small game. It is centerfire and it has rifling. Any determination otherwise would be intentionally ignoring the regulation. The 45/410 is just one example of such firearms. The 577 Snider was a center fire rifle made to shoot a 58 caliber bullet, but factory shot loads were also made for it. Same for 44WCF cartridges and 357. The rifle or pistol does not magically lose it's rifling and become something else because a shot cartridge is loaded into it. This same question came up in regard to the 45/410 handguns and smooth bore muzzleloader handguns a few weeks ago.

 

[Lifes2Fun]

Bushmaster...my answer is correct. You are more than welcome to call Hbg and ask to speak to someone in the Bureau of Wildlife Protection for reassurance if youd like.

 

[DIYASUB]

Thanks for your response.
The WCO has answered the OP's question. This thread is closed to further discussion.