JamesH
That Guy
It looks like the law says you're exempt from training if you "lawfully own a regulated firearm". It doesn't say anything about "prior to 10/1/13". Since C&R handguns are "regulated firearms" that are HQL exempt, I would think you could buy a C&R handgun today and use it for HQL training exemption. IANAL, but the law is straightforward to read for yourself.