HI i hunt mostly with a rifle but i wanna hunt in the valley a little bit to for deer.I have a 20 gauge not really sure what kind it is but it has sights on it and its very long seems like it would be a good gun for deer?If i where to use it for deer what should i use slugs or buckshot what size? thanks
Whats the best shotgun for deer?
- Thread starter hunter33
- Start date
Not many people use a slug gun beyond 100 yards, that being said the accuracy level you wish to obtain is up to you. Not a lot of difference in accuracy with rifled or smooth barrels at that distance....go beyond 100 yards and it's a different story.
For smooth barrels I've been pleased with the Brenneke slugs, for rifled barrels only use sabots.
The most accurate slug gun I've run accross is the Benelli Black Eagle with rifled barrel. Not cheap, it out performs all others I've owned including 870's, Mossbergs, and Brownings.
A few of the slug guns in the collection....3rd one down is the Black Eagle.
For smooth barrels I've been pleased with the Brenneke slugs, for rifled barrels only use sabots.
The most accurate slug gun I've run accross is the Benelli Black Eagle with rifled barrel. Not cheap, it out performs all others I've owned including 870's, Mossbergs, and Brownings.
A few of the slug guns in the collection....3rd one down is the Black Eagle.
FrontSight
New member
I absolutely LOVE my 12 guage Savage Slug Warrior with Hastings Laser Accurate Slugs...so much that I got one for my dad on his b-day too.
Dead On Bullseye every single time at 50 yards...haven't tested it beyond that.
Kicks like a mule, but you won't feel it when hunting. Or maybe you can get it ported by a gunsmith?
Dead On Bullseye every single time at 50 yards...haven't tested it beyond that.
Kicks like a mule, but you won't feel it when hunting. Or maybe you can get it ported by a gunsmith?
FirstFreedom
Moderator
The general answer to your question is "one with a rifled barrel".
More specifically on gun type:
That's what I'm talkin about! The Savage is going be quite accurate, as is the Mossberg SS-one, and the T/C Encore. But pretty much any shotgun with a rifled barrel (Remington, Winchester, Mossberg) will do the job within a reasonable range.
Ammo bottom line: You want to use slugs. Any type (foster or saboted) out of a rifled barrel, or foster type only if your barrel is not rifled.
More specifically on gun type:
That's what I'm talkin about! The Savage is going be quite accurate, as is the Mossberg SS-one, and the T/C Encore. But pretty much any shotgun with a rifled barrel (Remington, Winchester, Mossberg) will do the job within a reasonable range.
Ammo bottom line: You want to use slugs. Any type (foster or saboted) out of a rifled barrel, or foster type only if your barrel is not rifled.
I've owned a lot of slug guns over the years. Pump, semi, bolt, smooth bore and rifled. This is the one I settled on, http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/tracker2.aspx in 20 gauge. Accurate, light and reliable. Shoots as good or better than any of the others I've owned. Probably the best $100 I ever spent.
If you require a scope, this would make an excellent choice http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/ultraSlug.aspx. Quite a bit heavier, but super accurate.
If you require a scope, this would make an excellent choice http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/ultraSlug.aspx. Quite a bit heavier, but super accurate.
djonathang
New member
Hello Rembrandt,
I tried to send you a PM, but your setup not to receive them, so here's my public opinion request.
You seem to know quite a bit about shotgun hunting for large game. I will be hunting in an area that permits shotgun only. In addition, it's a lead-free zone.
My solution to this has been the following: I'm looking into a 20 gauge pump. I have my eyes set on the Browning BPS Upland Special
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=011B&cat_id=012&type_id=216
This is a smooth bore shotgun. I am planning on adding a rifled choke, and shooting sabot slugs.
My reasoning behind this shotgun is as follows:
1) I would like to have a lighter shotgun for upland birds (quail in particular). I think I'll still use my 12 gauge for pheasant, as those wild buggers tend to be amazingly hearty.
2) I am thinking that the kick of the 20 with a sabot slug has to be more pleasant than that of the 12. Yes, I'm a big baby.
3) The smooth bore with rifled choke will provide greater versatility. My plan is to walk out looking for pigs, and come back shooting quail.
4) The shorter barrel will make carrying through the brush just a hair easier.
I'd be interested in your thoughts about this. As this is a public post, all other comments are welcome - except for the "big baby" reference!
Cheers,
DG
I tried to send you a PM, but your setup not to receive them, so here's my public opinion request.
You seem to know quite a bit about shotgun hunting for large game. I will be hunting in an area that permits shotgun only. In addition, it's a lead-free zone.
My solution to this has been the following: I'm looking into a 20 gauge pump. I have my eyes set on the Browning BPS Upland Special
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=011B&cat_id=012&type_id=216
This is a smooth bore shotgun. I am planning on adding a rifled choke, and shooting sabot slugs.
My reasoning behind this shotgun is as follows:
1) I would like to have a lighter shotgun for upland birds (quail in particular). I think I'll still use my 12 gauge for pheasant, as those wild buggers tend to be amazingly hearty.
2) I am thinking that the kick of the 20 with a sabot slug has to be more pleasant than that of the 12. Yes, I'm a big baby.
3) The smooth bore with rifled choke will provide greater versatility. My plan is to walk out looking for pigs, and come back shooting quail.
4) The shorter barrel will make carrying through the brush just a hair easier.
I'd be interested in your thoughts about this. As this is a public post, all other comments are welcome - except for the "big baby" reference!
Cheers,
DG
MeekAndMild
New member
Some decades ago (I won't say how many!) Mrs. Meek gave me a Mossberg 500 for my birthday. It came with 2 barrels, one of which was a slug barrel. It is my favorite gun for hunting in the swamp to kick up deer who are bedded down on cold wet nasty days. The more the wind is blowing and the harder it is raining the better. Deer will sit there until you're about 10 feet from them before they jump up and run.
There are 2 problems. The first is that when you get home you have to make sure everything is dried out. The second is that moisture turned the varnish on its grip white. Weird.
There are 2 problems. The first is that when you get home you have to make sure everything is dried out. The second is that moisture turned the varnish on its grip white. Weird.
djonathang said:
The Browning BPS would be a fine choice. As far as accuracy I prefer a full rifled barrel over the rifled choke, but that's just me.
Lead free restriction will limit ammo selection, go for the copper solid sabots....several manufacturers offer these. Good luck on the hunt.