Machine guns are designed for military use, which I called out as an exception (because the military is generally not legally liable when they use their weaponry). I would be interesting in seeing some statistics on how people use their handguns. Many I know use them for recreational shooting, but store them for use in emergency. Many carry them on their person with the claim that it is for personal defense. I've only personally known one friend who had a chance to use his handgun in self defense, and he was too scared to draw so he just handed over his wallet. Many times a handgun is simply a deterrent, not meant to be fired.

Anecdotes aside, deer hunting is not the only form of hunting. Boar hunting with pistols is common. Small game hunting with .22 pistols is common. Deer hunting with long barrel .44s and .45s is not unheard of, though not necessarily legal in every state. Handguns aren't something I personally agree with very strongly, though. I don't like easily concealable weapons.