NOT HAPPY: Deputy opposition leader Deb Frecklington has blasted the police minister for his comments on firearms.

NOT HAPPY: Deputy opposition leader Deb Frecklington has blasted the police minister for his comments on firearms. Helen Spelitis

POLITICIANS have gone to blows over the issue of firearms, with Deb Frecklington accusing the government of blocking small firearm licences for farmers.

The deputy opposition leader called on police minister Bill Byrne to explain why category H handgun licences were being denied for farmers.

"Landholders in the South Burnett have legitimate and lawful needs to carry firearms, including handguns," Mrs Frecklington said.

"There can be times when heavier, longer rifles are not practical, such as on horseback or riding motorbikes, especially at the moment when vast areas of regional Queensland are in drought."

Minister Bill Byrne said in parliament last week small pistols were not practical for use on farms.

"The idea of the lone cowboy having a pistol strapped to his hip as an effective weapon in agricultural applications simply does not cut it with me," Mr Byrne said.

He added that the Queensland Police Service were sceptical on needs for handguns and he was concerned as they were a concealable weapon.

Mrs Frecklington urged for farmers affected to phone her electorate office on 4190 7100.