Slug Barrel Question

[fritz179]

I'm completely new to slug hunting, deer hunting in general, and will be going with the future father-in-law. I've hunted birds all my life with my Remington 870 and Winchester 1300. I will be using my Remington, however due to finances I would like to hold off on buying an actual slug barrel until next year. My question is can I use my regular barrel to shoot slugs through, do I need a certain choke or slug? Any advice on which way I should go? I just don't want the gun or barrel to become damaged. Thanks!

[trolloni]

it will work just keep youre shots under 75 yards,modified choke is best if youre gun is older and has a fixed choke,you need a foster style slug, one that has grooves in it,sabots wont work you need rifling to get em to spin.some foster slugs are remington slugger,winchesters,federal and brennike my 870 likes brennike,

[96trigger]

Yes you can definitely use your smooth bore barrel for deer. You will need to buy foster style slugs or non sabot slugs. I would suggest either the federal true balls or the brennekes. Some slugs shoot better in some guns than others. You may also want to pick up a box of winchester and remingtons to see what shoots the best. You will be limited in your distance, and being new to deer hunting, I would try and limit my shots to about 50 yards. You should have a choke no tighter than modified, although many people with fixed full choke barrels can still accurately shoot slugs, I would prevent it if I could. Hope that helps.

[fr0sty]

I liked remington trubal slugs when I used my smooth barren 12 gauge. Good for me out to 50-70 yards. I used the modified choke. This deer was shot at about 35 yards. The barrel is covering up the entry hole. The blood trail was easy to follow.

[Lund79]

My 870 is a smoothbore and I shoot Federal Tru-ball slugs. No problems with knock down power. Most of my shots are within 75 yards.

[fritz179]

Thanks for all the advice everyone I appreciate it. I'll be on the range next week to try it out. I'm getting pretty excited for this hunt! BTW nice buck!