In the last few years, I've been asked to tell how to set up a slug gun by a number of people. Since I've been in quest of the perfect slug gun for a few decades, here's a few points that help get that slug gun performing optimally.
First, and this is perhaps the only part that shouldn't be kitchentabled. Most pumps, even excellent ones, have good safe slap triggers. To achive good accuracy, have a qualified gunsmith tweak your trigger to a clean safe light as possible weight. On the average, 3 1/2 to 4 lbs is achievable and safe.
Second, many pumps show a bit of looseness in the bbls to receiver connection. Check by,
MAKING SURE THE WEAPON IS UNLOADED. Then, while grasping the receiver in one hand, grab the bbl by the other and seeing if moderate pressure will move it in relation to the receiver. If not, Huzzah! If so, then pad the jaws on a set of channellocks, and tighten ONE click or just enough to take the slop out. This serves the same purpose as the pinning some smiths do to "accurize" the weapon. And, it still means one can take down the weapon.
Next, consider the sight options. A plain bead is good for very close encounters, but lacks accuracy at more than say,15 yards.My old eyes find the handy short bbls with rifle sights little better, the sight radius is nit much better than a long bbled handgun. MUCH better, and my personal choice, is a peep sight and ramped bead front. A touch of bright enamel will make that sight accurate and fast. While some folks favor a scope,I believe only those of less than 3X work well on slug guns,and of good make. A shotgun will destroy cheap scopes rather quickly,and even the best add little at typical ranges.
Next, something I learned from an FBI school I attended. A mag extension serves to stiffen the bbl, oft cutting group size by 50%.This is with a clamp between bbl and tube,of course. You may get teased about "needing all those rounds" but the teasing stops after they see the groups or the deer.
Oh,yes, lengthening the forcing cone will reduce the recoil slightly,and oft improves accuracy, tho this might be due to less flinching.In any case, this is recommended.
Next,test ammo at the bench. Don't use the same as your best buddy does, each weapon is a law unto itself at to what ammo groups best. Buy a variety of those 5 packs,and shoot for groups. Remember that benchtesting slug guns is not much fun. Use whatever recoil protection you can, take an anti- inflammatory first, and work slowly, allowing the weapon to cool between shots. It's a lot of work, but well worth it. After finding out what groups best,buy plenty of it from the same lot number, if possible.And, even if you've been shooting since Davy Crockett was a tyro, practice! Ain't no substitute....
As for performance, no 12 ga slug is appreciably better acting than any other, with this exception...
Sabots are oft wonderfully accurate in rifled bbls. Unfortunately, my experience from doing some herd control is that the blood trails are longer. Those of us who hunt public land might want a full diameter slug like the Fosters or Brennekes to put the critter down well nigh immediately.The good news is no slug will fail if properly inserted on deer sized game.
Finally, remember that even the best slug gun is NOT a long range tool. Hunt and shoot responsibly and closely,and your season will be well spent.
Good luck and good hunting...
First, and this is perhaps the only part that shouldn't be kitchentabled. Most pumps, even excellent ones, have good safe slap triggers. To achive good accuracy, have a qualified gunsmith tweak your trigger to a clean safe light as possible weight. On the average, 3 1/2 to 4 lbs is achievable and safe.
Second, many pumps show a bit of looseness in the bbls to receiver connection. Check by,
MAKING SURE THE WEAPON IS UNLOADED. Then, while grasping the receiver in one hand, grab the bbl by the other and seeing if moderate pressure will move it in relation to the receiver. If not, Huzzah! If so, then pad the jaws on a set of channellocks, and tighten ONE click or just enough to take the slop out. This serves the same purpose as the pinning some smiths do to "accurize" the weapon. And, it still means one can take down the weapon.
Next, consider the sight options. A plain bead is good for very close encounters, but lacks accuracy at more than say,15 yards.My old eyes find the handy short bbls with rifle sights little better, the sight radius is nit much better than a long bbled handgun. MUCH better, and my personal choice, is a peep sight and ramped bead front. A touch of bright enamel will make that sight accurate and fast. While some folks favor a scope,I believe only those of less than 3X work well on slug guns,and of good make. A shotgun will destroy cheap scopes rather quickly,and even the best add little at typical ranges.
Next, something I learned from an FBI school I attended. A mag extension serves to stiffen the bbl, oft cutting group size by 50%.This is with a clamp between bbl and tube,of course. You may get teased about "needing all those rounds" but the teasing stops after they see the groups or the deer.
Oh,yes, lengthening the forcing cone will reduce the recoil slightly,and oft improves accuracy, tho this might be due to less flinching.In any case, this is recommended.
Next,test ammo at the bench. Don't use the same as your best buddy does, each weapon is a law unto itself at to what ammo groups best. Buy a variety of those 5 packs,and shoot for groups. Remember that benchtesting slug guns is not much fun. Use whatever recoil protection you can, take an anti- inflammatory first, and work slowly, allowing the weapon to cool between shots. It's a lot of work, but well worth it. After finding out what groups best,buy plenty of it from the same lot number, if possible.And, even if you've been shooting since Davy Crockett was a tyro, practice! Ain't no substitute....
As for performance, no 12 ga slug is appreciably better acting than any other, with this exception...
Sabots are oft wonderfully accurate in rifled bbls. Unfortunately, my experience from doing some herd control is that the blood trails are longer. Those of us who hunt public land might want a full diameter slug like the Fosters or Brennekes to put the critter down well nigh immediately.The good news is no slug will fail if properly inserted on deer sized game.
Finally, remember that even the best slug gun is NOT a long range tool. Hunt and shoot responsibly and closely,and your season will be well spent.
Good luck and good hunting...
