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Police Shotgun for hunting
- Thread starter gdeal
- Start date
For deer, the 18" barrel is fine (maybe). For waterfowl, anything less than about 26" and you'll never be able to lead your shot correctly. Also, I highly doubt that your short barrel has anything more than an improved cylinder choke. If you really want to shoot waterfowl, get another barrel. More importantly, federal waterfowl regulations limit shot capacity to 3 shots total (chamber plus mag). You must have a one-piece plug installed in the magazine during the hunt.
For deer with your 18" barrel, you need to find out two things.. Is it rifled and what choke (if any) does it have? The answer to those two questions will determine the choice of projectile. A rifled barrel will preclude any use of buckshot. It will also mean the use of a slug made specifically for rifled barrels.
A non-rifled barrel will be ok with buckshot - however, you'll need a modified choke to get a decent pattern at "hunting range" (typically 30 to 40 yds). A non-rifled barrel will also dictate the usage of a rifled slug.
Also, make sure to check the magazine size limit for your state when deer hunting. You may live in one of the states where you have to use a magazine plug for deer also.
For deer with your 18" barrel, you need to find out two things.. Is it rifled and what choke (if any) does it have? The answer to those two questions will determine the choice of projectile. A rifled barrel will preclude any use of buckshot. It will also mean the use of a slug made specifically for rifled barrels.
A non-rifled barrel will be ok with buckshot - however, you'll need a modified choke to get a decent pattern at "hunting range" (typically 30 to 40 yds). A non-rifled barrel will also dictate the usage of a rifled slug.
Also, make sure to check the magazine size limit for your state when deer hunting. You may live in one of the states where you have to use a magazine plug for deer also.