BILL Byrne recently came under fire after depicting Queensland primary producers as pistol bearing loan cowboys.

The comments both angered those who work the land for a living and brought into question the future of category H handgun laws and Queensland gun laws in general.

Currently the Queensland weapon act makes an exception for farmers to use handguns as a part of their work duties such as killing an animal.

However state Member for Rockhampton and Minister for Police Mr Byrne said the "idea of the lone cowboy, with the pistol strapped to the hip as an effective weapon in an agricultural application simply doesn't cut it with me".

The minister said he had "genuine conversations with leaders of the agricultural community" surrounding the issue of gun control on properties.

Despite the Mr Byrne receiving backlash from Queensland farmers regarding the comments he maintains his position on the use of guns on the land.

"My position in relation to concealable firearms being used in an Agricultural context has not changed," he said.

"There are documentations from the CSIRO and other industry groups that map out a model code of practice when it comes to the destruction of wild animals including livestock.

"The Sporting Shooters Association also indicates the most humane way to kill an animal. These documents clearly state that a rifle is the preferred weapon to be used for the destruction of sick or injured beast."

Mr Byrne said he personally does not accept the argument that handguns are necessary in the agriculture industry due to comfort or effectiveness."

"Since 2000, in excess of 800 handguns have either been lost or stolen in Queensland and I am not in a position where I would encourage more of these concealable weapons to be allowed in our state."