Proposed handguns for hunting turkey???

[253shotgunner]

What is the backstory on this? What handguns are legal?

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/14.%2020220404%20Weapons%20SS_0.pdf

Page 2:
. Handguns authorized for hunting turkey. The proposed handguns specified are:
a) Modern handgun designed for hunting, shooting #4 or smaller shot, and not capable
of holding more than three shells. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum of 10
inches, inclusive of choke tube. Modern handguns must shoot a minimum three-inch
shotshell of .410 caliber or larger.
b) Muzzleloading handgun designed for hunting, shooting #4 or smaller shot, and not
capable of holding more than three shells. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum
of 10 inches. Muzzleloading handguns must be .45 caliber or larger.

[WoodHacker]

A Thompson Contender can have a .410 x 10" barrel. Not sure of the shell length....

[Ghost Hunter]

I guess 'The Judge' is out.

[Bob33]

WAC 220-414-020

(b) Turkey, which it is unlawful to hunt with a weapon other than the following:
(i) Crossbow or bow and arrow;
(ii) Shotgun shooting #4 or smaller shot, or muzzleloading shotgun shooting #4 or smaller shot;
(iii) Legal modern handgun designed for hunting, shooting #4 or smaller shot, and not capable of holding more than three shells. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum of 10 inches, inclusive of choke tube. Modern handguns must shoot a minimum three inch shotshell of .410 caliber or larger;
(iv) Legal muzzleloading handgun designed for hunting and shooting #4 or smaller shot. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum of 10 inches. Muzzleloading handguns must be .45 caliber or larger.

[Russ McDonald]

Was passed this year.  I think it was right after spring season.  Yup a TC would be about the only thing.  Even if the judge had the right length of barrel it can only hold 3 shells.

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[Remnar]

Also, rifling and shot dont mix .

[boneaddict]

Newer barrels do chamber for 3 inch. Old ones do not.  Interesting enough there is a member selling one on here, just posted.

[jackelope]

Contender and Encore handgun barrels capable of doing that.  With that said, after shooting a Turkey load through a full length encore Turkey barrel, I have to believe that shooting a Turkey load through a pistol would only lead to early onset carpel tunnel syndrome. Possibly a broken wrist.
I wonder how they group at 20 yards.

[Russ McDonald]

Remember the pistol has to have a 10" barrel.

[GWP]

Newer barrels do chamber for 3 inch. Old ones do not.  Interesting enough there is a member selling one on here, just posted.

A great many of the older Contender 45/.410 have been reamed to accept the 3" .410. I don't believe the older ones were marked for shell length on the barrel, so it would be hard to tell.