Rifled barrel shotgun question.

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Is rifled barrel shotgun still considered a shotgun or does it fall into the rifles category?
In other words, when the rifle season is over for deer and other big game, and only shotguns / bows and muzzle-loaders are allowed, are you still allowed to hunt with the rifled barrel shotgun?

I couldn't find a clear definition on this in the regulations... Technically the rifled barrel does increase the range and precision, but not enough to match the real rifles. So I'm not 100% sure how it's defined in the rules.
 
A shotgun is a shotgun.

A rifle is a rifle.

You are overcomplicating it. There are some anti's who argue that using a rifled slug shotgun goes against the intent of the shotgun hunting regulations, but so far they have not been successful in implementing any further BS regs on the topic.
 
Usually it'll depend what you're hunting, not the firearm in question. For instance, it's illegal to use a single projectile on migratory game birds. That would include slugs of course. A rifled barrel won't do well with bird shot, most of the time you get a very poor pattern. So basically, what will you be hunting other than big game with a rifled slug gun? I'm not 100% sure about ON regulations, but most provinces you can't carry a slug gun during an archery or mzl only season.
 
In Ontario there is no restriction as long as you are using no smaller than a 20 guage and during big game season no shot smaller than NO 1 Buck.

There is different firearm restrictions in different areas. Some have a Archery/muzzle loader only, some have Archery/muzzle loader/shotgun, but as long as shotguns are legal you can use your rifled barrel. It is not considered a rifle.
 
Ok, thanks for the replies, guys. I assumed that a shotgun is still a shotgun no matter what barrel you use, but wanted to confirm it. Appreciate the quick answers.
 
As guns go, technically it's a rifle if the barrel is rifled, but the point of your question is compliance with hunting regulations, and as far as I can tell, no jurisdiction's hunting regulations treat a shotgun as a rifle even if you put a rifled barrel on it. If you are worried, ask a sample of your province's conservation officers what they think, because they are the ones who will decide whether they are going to have a problem with it.
 
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I think most of the shotgun?ML/Bow only WMU's in Ontario are this way as to limit the range of the hunter, due to the fact that if you miss, chances are there is a good probablility that there could be a person in range to maybe get hit by the stray due to population density. Yes a rifled barrel adds range, but also accuracy. I would think the ML has a greater range. However, a shotgun is a shotgun, and as a previous poster mentioned no smaller than 20G using shot and no shot smaller than no1 Buck
 
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come on guys get it right . you can us a 410 slug for deer in the controled hunt in southern ont . and yes a shotgun is still a shotgun with a rifled barrel 20g or bigger when using buckshot DUTCH
 
mlehtovaara said:
A shotgun is a shotgun.

A rifle is a rifle.

You are overcomplicating it.
Click to expand...

This.

dutchhunter said:
come on guys get it right . you can us a 410 slug for deer in the controled hunt in southern ont . and yes a shotgun is still a shotgun with a rifled barrel 20g or bigger when using buckshot DUTCH
Click to expand...

Actually, no. I believe this to be sarcasm, but it will lead to confusion. 2012 regs state shotgun no smaller than 20 gauge. Page 22 of the summary.
 
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