Deer Shotguns

[Shwangman]

Looking to buy a new shotgun for deer huting, any ideas.

Thank You.

[get-the-net]

One of the first questions you have to answer is how much you want to pay for your slug gun. There are some low-priced models and from there the sky seems to be the limit these days. I started with a hand-me-down Winchester model 12 in 16 gauge when I was twelve, but switched to a Remington 1100 20 ga two years later. The Remington had a smoothbore barrel with iron sights. I shot a lot of deer with that little gun, some at over 80 yards. It's lightweight, fast handling, doesn't kick and slugs don't cost a fortune. I have since put it on the shelf for my kids to use someday and have switched to a Benelli SBE with a ER Shaw rifled slug barrel. I put a EO Tech Holosight on top of it. I like shooting open-sights, and this keeps that feeling while giving you better sight pickup during low light conditions. I've been using the Federal Barnes Expander 3/4 oz. sabot slugs, (which aren't cheap at $2.00 a pop) with great success and amazing accuracy. I consistantly shoot 3 round one inch groups at 100 yards. Considering the fact that the bullet is around .40, three shots touching each other in a row would be over an inch across the paper. This is a good time of the year to start looking because you'll have plenty of guns to choose from and lots of time to practice practice practice. My .02

[bigbucks]

Do you have one already that you're replacing, if so what is it & why don't you like it?

I'm a Remmington 870 guy. I've shot a lot of deer with mine, including a fair number in the 80-100+ yard range. It's not rifle accurate, with my smooth bore slug barrel, but it does the job. I'd say 4-5" group at 100 yards. I think you can get an 870 Express two barrel combo somewhere in the $250-300 range, but not sure on that price. There was a long thread on this a few months ago if you look back.

[SCUMFROG]

Gander has an 870 combo. My wife got it me for my b-day. 26 inch rifled slug barrel with a scope, and a 28 inch ribbed barrel in 12g. Mines the flat black finish, looks mean and nasty.

[big drift]

If your looking for strictly a slug gun. Where are you hunting, do you use stands or drive? What is your preferance,semi, pump, bolt? Lots of issues to decide before ya throw out an open ended question.

I use an Ithica Model 37 12ga. Deerslayer pump, it is light, quick follow up shots if needed also great in the stand with the adjustable sights. Recoil to me is mild I also use this for Bear when not going w/ my bow.

The benefits of a rifled bolt action is also something to thing about, if you plan on stand hunting more then driving or posting this may be better. It gives you a solid chamber system w/ vents for gases. The scope is better protected and you still get multiple rounds.

I personally do not like autos for slugs. To easy to go all out w/ a free fire zone. Action can collect to much crud and I have seen them jam up, also colder temps require different maint. in the long run. To many moving parts and to much rattle IMO.

Single shots do not waste your time easy maint. but hard on recoil and slow for followup's.

Choose a gauge and fit you are comfortable with and match it to your surroundings. Stick w/ a 12,16, or 20 ga. a .410 is really to light for deer IMO. Your best bet is to try a couple different brands and set yourself a price range. A good slug gun will last years and keep ya smiling.

Well enough rambling good luck with what ever ya pick and as a final note go out and shoot whatever ya decide on before season so you can dial it in and see what loads work best for you.

later

big drift

[riverrat56]

I shoot a Remington 1100-LT for deer, I just use the smooth bore barrel, but I'm very picky with my shots, nothing running unless they are already wounded or very very close ( <20 yards ) The 4 deer I have shot with it have dropped in there tracks. I would recommend a pump though for deer hunting, won't jam in the cold and will handle mud and brush better. I however do not agree that an auto will cause people to go trigger happy, all I shoot is 1100's, when pheasant hunting I never go past 2 shots unless there are multiple birds, deer hunting also, i keep the shots at close range so I have a high hit %. My dream slug gun would be an 870 20 ga with a fully rifled barrle and iron sights. Gets on deer quicker and with the limited range you have with slugs, why do you need a scope?

[get-the-net]

I'm with you riverrat. My smoothbore LT-20 was a very reliable and accurate slug gun. The only time it jammed was when I didn't push a cartridge into the magazine far enough and I rarely found a need for more than two shots. Since it had iron sights, I was very picky about my shots, but when you connect, they definitely go down in their tracks. I also used it for duck, pheasant, and grouse hunting. As with deer, I chose to be picky with my shots. My .02

[Rost]

When I venture back to MN for the slug season, I use my Remington 870. It has a fully rifled barrel/cantelever scope mount with a straight 2x scope on top. I shoot Federal Sabot slugs through it.

The reason I like this set up is NOT so I can take long, low percentage shots. I like it because I feel that the rifled barrel with a scope is the most accurate way to go. I am not saying a smooth bore gun won't do the job, It's just that when I see the deer of my dreams, I want an edge. That's just me.

My brother shoots the same only on an 11-87 Remington. That is nice!!

BTW- Get-the-Net--That is a dandy avatar!

Rost, I have edited some of the content contained within your post. FM does not advise unsafe behavior no matter the context. Please hit "contact us" if you have any questions!

[irvingdog]

Quote:

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One regret I have is putting a 2x scope on. I wish I had a 3x9. This way when your walking CRP, sloughs, etc..If a deer jumps up out of range, you can use your scope as binoculars. Crank up the power and take a look at what the guy posting on the rock pile is going to kill.

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**shudders**

Worst.....advice.......ever

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever use your scope as binoculars! Just the sound of that makes my hair stand up on end.

yeesh......

[big drift]

Amen to that that what binoculars are for. BAsic safety is never point it at anything your not willing to shoot.THat is how the trooper in S. Mn got shot last year.

big drift

[Rost]

I don't aim at the guy on the rock pile. I aim at the deer. And yes, I am willing to shoot the animal, it's just that it is out of range. And for clarification, I would never,ever,ever, ever, raise my firearm and point it in an unsafe direction.

Seriously, I am sorry if you feel that it is unsafe. But you may have a different picture in your mind then what actually happens. Now, imagine yourself on a 1/2 section of CRP. Your group is lined up perfectly with absolutely nothing ahead of you. Deer jumps up 300 yds out ahead. Stop, pull up and look at the deer through your scope. That may be slightly unsafe. I'll admit $hit can happen. I could accidently take the gun off safe, put my finger on the trigger, accidently pull the trigger and send a sabot slug zinging 300 yrds before hitting (and killing)..the ground.

I should have known not to write that on this board. So, I officially take that comment back.

[Mr Special]

Brand, type, make, and model is really up to you. I personelly would go with the old reliable pump. But the only advise I can really offer is to go with a 12ga. The reason why, is if you every find yourself on your way to deer camp and no shells. Having a 12ga you can pretty much pick some up anywhere or barrow from someone esle in your group. This save my uncle's season late year. Even though we check and double check our equipment, I always seem to forget something.

Good luck on the search and have fun

[riverrat56]

Very good idea there about having avalible extra slugs, but i really feel that for an all out slug gun, a 20 ga is a better choice, the ballistics are better on the 20 ga, and the slug gets less air resistance, just my thoughts, plus why choice a gun based on forgetting something in the first place?

[Shwangman]

Thanks to all that responded, I'm sure that my Son will use all the ideas posted and come up with a good choice.

[Muddog]

I saw a 870 youth 20ga slug gun at Gander the other day. I think I'm going to get it. No, not for my son, For me. I'm 6'2" tall and 230 pounds. But hey with all the cold weather gear on that shorter stock will still end up with a 13.5" length of pull. Plus it won't hang up as much when sholdering.

[uffdapete]

I also shoot a youth model 20 ga. - a Mossberg pump that has a rifled barrel with a cantilever scope mount. I like everything about this set up - accuracy, lightweight, short stock and reasonable to get into.