Thread: When is a shotgun not a shot gun?

I was hunting on DOC land a few weeks a go and ran into a couple of guys using several dogs to run down - dog deer. This in its self really annoys me because in my book its not really hunting but thats another story. While talking to these guys a noticed that the guy carrying the wepon was using what I would call a shotgun. The reason being that it was single shot 12g. During the ensuing conversation they tried to convince me that it wasnt a shotgun because it was fitted with iron front and rear sights. Please correct me if im wrong but in my veiw isnt this still a shotgun and not to be used on DOC land?

I always wondered if using rifled slugs would be an exception, but I'd expect they had buck shot? Just out of interest why are shotguns and rimfires not allowed on doc land?

I would say so nelpop. Smooth bore = shotgun no matter what sight mechanisms might be fitted.

Originally Posted by big_foot

Just out of interest why are shotguns and rimfires not allowed on doc land?

In my view it is to take away the temptation to shoot birds.

Originally Posted by Rushy

I would say so nelpop. Smooth bore = shotgun no matter what sight mechanisms might be fitted.

That's my understanding too Rushy.

Cheers
Pete

we'll make it impossible to break the law against shooting native birds, by making a law to stop people taking shotguns onto public land. after all, the law-breakers shooting birds wouldn't want to break TWO laws in one go.

Interesting, never looked at it that way but it makes fair sense. I always thought it was due to a higher chance of injuring the game due to lack of omph or range?

When it has a rifled barrel, I spoke to DOC about this topic in the past..

Originally Posted by big_foot

I always wondered if using rifled slugs would be an exception, but I'd expect they had buck shot? Just out of interest why are shotguns and rimfires not allowed on doc land?

An attempt to discourage the 'locals' not to shoot and eat wood pigeons and the likes, probably saves a few being shot by unsuccessful and frustrated hunters too

So I can't use a smooth barrel black powder? Stink.

Rifled shotgun .
Also, you Can legally use a shotgun on "doc land" I know someone who reg uses a shotgun. He uses solids and sabots and simply says he uses such n such caliber instead of saying 12g. He doesn't carry shot cartridges and has never been pulled up on it either after hunting close to 15 years with it.


Having a large caliber has never stopped anyone from blowing a tasty native pidgeons head off...judging by all the storys ive heard.

I'd call it a shotgun with sights.... Just 18 months ago it was made legal to shoot deer with a 12 gauge here in Victoria IF it has iron sights or a red dot sight and fires a single slug projectile.

Originally Posted by oneipete

Rifled shotgun .
Also, you Can legally use a shotgun on "doc land" I know someone who reg uses a shotgun. He uses solids and sabots and simply says he uses such n such caliber instead of saying 12g. He doesn't carry shot cartridges and has never been pulled up on it either after hunting close to 15 years with it.


Having a large caliber has never stopped anyone from blowing a tasty native pidgeons head off...judging by all the storys ive heard.

@oneipete what tastes better, native pigeon or kiwi?

Originally Posted by Bavarian_Hunter

@oneipete what tastes better, native pigeon or kiwi?

Don't answer Pete, it is a trick question. BH works for DoC. Ha ha ha ha

gotta be carefull now have seen on trade me some inserts that you can fit various calibres in to
that fit in to the chamber of a shot gun but seriouslry why would you want to buy one