Well Peet
Maybe I have a bit of an advantage over most "sluggers". In Michigan, we have 3 zones which are basically the southern lower pennisula. the northern lower pennisula, and the upper pennisula. I have spent a great deal of time hunting the southern zone which is shotgun, muzzleloader, or handguns only. I started with 870 Express and a smooth bore slug barrel. Yes, they are like shooting a bowling ball past 100 yards. I then went to a rifled barrel same gun. The results were better but trajectory was not significantly improved. At that time, I think I used basic Winchester sabot slugs the had a muzzle velocity of about 1300 ft/sec. I started using the Partition Golds and was pleasantly surprised with the results. 1800 ft/sec. made the trajectory better but the accuracy wasn't quite there. I have a buddy that "builds" his own slug guns. He starts with a Rem 1100, adds a Hastings 24" cantilever rifled barrel, mounts a Nikon Monarch 3x9 scope, and then a premium sabot slug. Well, if you're adding this up, he just built a slug gun that is well over a thousand bucks.....Yeah, he has too much money to play with....I don't. I found the H&R Ultra Slugger. The 12 guage is a beast and since I was purchasing the gun for my son, I went with the 20 guage. He hunts mostly "does" these days (if you know what I mean) so, I'm keeping it warm for him. Long story short. I bought the gun new for 250 bucks and added a Leupold VII 2x7 and have about $500.00 in the whole deal. I think the 20 shoots flatter than the 12 and with 1900 ft/sec slugs has plenty of punch. I would recommend this set up to anyone. My big bucks buddy was even a bit jealous.