Used Slug gun

[erikwells]

I have not hunted deer in 20 years and decided I have got to get back to something that I used to love. I will be hunting in a shotgun/slug zone. Anyone have any thoughts or leads for me as I look for a slug gun? Budget is a bit limited but I want to have the right equipment for a good hunt.

Thanks,

Erik

[carpshooterdeluxe]

How far do you expect your shots to be? Are you wanting to use a scope? Do you own a regular shotgun? If so what model? Lots of options, but a little more info helps.

[Heartman]

Look for one of the newer Savage bolt slug guns - 12 and 20 gauge, Model 120 and 220 I think? - both surprisingly accurate and solid. I like the 20 more than the 12 - less recoil and still throwing a big hunk of lead out there. Accurate 100yd shots are easy with these shotguns/rifles. Even further with some practice...

[JosMN]

I have shot a Remington 1100 and 1187 for years and have shot A LOT of deer with them. You cant go wrong with either. I personally use a red dot scope, which fits great with these guns. I used the 1100 till I was around 23yrs old, then got an 1187. Only thing I replaced on them is the gas o ring seal. They never failed me, just have done it every 2 years or so for good measure. These guns wont break the bank either.

[erikwells]

I curently have a Savage 12 ga super mag (shoots up to 3 1/2 inch). When I used to hunt my shots were typically pretty close, maybe my average shot was 50 yards. I have always had a healthy fear of wounding deer and not being able to find them so I like to wait for a close shot or I'll pass it up. Not sure if it would be best to get a barrel for slugs or look at finding a used gun. The barrel I have right now says "No Slugs". Thanks.

[LightningBG]

If you're budget is limited, I'd just look for a new barrel for that one. Or a basic Rem 870 is a great budget option.

[96trigger]

If your budget minded, I would go with a winchester 1300, mossberg 500 series, or 870 pump. Most of these can be found on a used gun rack for between $250 and $300. If you live in the shotgun zone, you will find these guns quite available. I would definitely recommend getting a rifled slug barrel. I would not even look at shooting a smooth bore anymore after hunting with a rifled barrel. Slugs are a little bit more expensive, but you will get tighter groups and greater range with these. Anybody that tells you otherwise is probably still shooting a smooth bore and is trying to make themselves feel better. I also rarely take shots over 50 yards, but I like to know that the slug will go exactly where I am aiming. I never got accuracy and precision with any of my smooth bore guns like I do with my rifled barrels. I guess for me, that is very important. I'm sure someone will come on here and talk about how you don't need one because they shoot deer regularly at 500 yards with open sights and a smooth bore barrel .

[Gordie]

If I were to look for a slug gun the first one on my list would be the 220 Savage 20 bolt action it wade rifle of the year last year and is a great gun my next and only other choice would be a Remenington 870 12 or 20 ga with a rifled barrel.

[Heartman]

3" 12 gauge slug has the same recoil characteristics as a 375 H&H Magnum or might be a 458 Winchester Magnum - you know the guns they shoot elephants and buffalo with in Africa? If you're not recoil shy, go for it - personally I think a 20 gauge does just fine and is a heckuva lot easier to shoot accurately. Pick your shots and make the first one count.

My opinion only, just say'n...

[harvey lee]

Check your private messages.

[Tom7227]

You can use a single shot 410 if you want.

The most important thing is to buy a number of different slugs and spend some time on the range. Slugs are very rough from a ballistics standpoint. They can vary significantly from manufacurter to manufacturer. Get a box or two of at least 4 different ones and go to the 25 yard range. I have had good luck with Brenneke slugs. Once you've made your choice go to the 50 and then the 100 to get a feel of what happens with the drop on the slug at the longer ranges. It gets interesting.

Set up on a table with sandbags for rests. Take your time, let the gun cool off a bit and see what happens.

I have an Ithaca 37 light weight. I put a smooth bore slug barrel on it and got significantly better results. Then I put a 1.5-6 scope on it and it dialed in very nicely. The scope also helps with the early and late hunts. If you buy a decent one it will make things much brighter and you'll be able to see your target much more clearly. I was confident of a hit out to at least 60 yards with this setup.

Someone mentioned kick and the hit you get when firing a slug is like nothing else you've had with a shotgun. It probably won't matter when you are actually shooting a deer but your going to be sore after a couple hours at the range.

Good luck.

[Mr Special]

I agree with Tom7227

buy a few different brands of slugs when u decided on a sluggun and try them out.

my uncle and i both have 870's and his like Remi sluggers and mine likes brenneke KO's. if your shootin 50-60yrds you should be ok with a smooth bore. i shot a smooth bore for yrs, my buds owns my 870 now.

however, YES a rifled barrel with sabots will be more accurate and can really extend your range. i now used a modified Moss500 w/ cantilever scope 1.5-8x32.

as for guns that wont break the bank. 870 and mossberg 500 combos are very good options and usually come with a bird barrel as well

good luck and lets us know watch ya end up gettin

[Hench]

Last season I purchased a new Remington 870 Express (matte black finish in 12 ga.) with a rifled slug barrel for around $380.

I used to have a 870 with a smooth bore but after shooting sabots I will never go back. The consistency is a lot better and range is outstanding for a shotgun. Put a Nikon scope on and I'm consistent and confident out well past 100 yards.

I use the Hornady sabots as they seemed to work the best. Several have mentioned to try 3 or 4 brands....I can't agree more.

For the money the 870 has done very well for me.

[fr0sty]

You can also consider an muzzle loader. The tc omega z5 is only $350. I bet there are other makers of good ml's for less.

Just another option.