445 supermag - Not for the average Joe Hunter they are not. I've shot a few handguns, and have shot with a few people. At 40 yards, I could group better with my arrows (compound) than most guys group with their handguns. Thats a true for most people I think. Now, I had a Model 29 S&W 44 mag, scoped, 8 3/8 barrel that shot darn well, but not off handed, not iron sighted. Dirty Harry shots don't happen in the real world very often.

That was my point - its the weapon and not getting close that creates the divided hunting seasons. If it were simply about getting close (limited range weaponry), then crossbows should be legal, as would iron sighted handguns. But I think I proved that that is not the case, and that crossbows do offer an advantage because of their ease of use.

Big Country - You asked why anyone not handicapped would use one - you didn't get any responses to that really, did you ? Because NO ONE wants to admit they are going the easy route and using a crossbow, though it is mostly the truth.