laws on handgun muzzleloders
 

from what i can find, it is not legal to hunt with a CVA Optima pistol. anyone know if i'm right? i live in a county where i can hunt with a rifle, which means i can hunt with a handgun, which in turn states that it must be .23 cal minimum and a muzzle energy greater than 375 ft/lbs. Optima muzzleloader or the traditions vortek pistols both are way beyond that with a .50 cal. but not legal to hunt with?

edit...forgot to mention i am talking about virginia

I asked about this to the DGIF 2 yrs ago for muzzleloader season. I was told then I couldn't, but my county (in the sticks) is a non rifle county for some reason (love how henrico is ok though and its mostly city)

Can always call and ask them. I have called 4 or 5 times in the past couple of yrs and they are always helpful. They have a couple gray areas in the book so I call and confirm things.

Wonder how long muzzleloaders will continue to go myself. Buddy sights his in out to 300 yards.

I just use a sidelock I built a couple yrs ago mostly now. Still never took a deer over 50 yards. Not even with my .45 cal that has a scope on it.