It is legal in NYS to carry a pistol, or handgun during ML season but it must load through the muzzle. I carry a Lyman 50 cal and I love it. I haven't really used it {yet} but I have walked up to my downed deer with it cocked and ready looking for twitch but have yet to need it or use it. I suppose it is just another thing to carry but I don't mind and perhaps one of these days it'll bag my deer. I shoot it regularly in the summer and would not hestitate to use it on a close shot