When is the Shotgun useless?

S

Super-Dave

New member
At what size of game does hunting with a 12 gauge shotgun with slugs becomes useless? Specificaly here in north america, but also for the rest of the world? Assume shots are fired less than 25 yards away from game.

Shotgun vs grizzly, polar bear, crocodiles, elk, moose, lion, tigers, elephants, waterbuffalo, hipppos, horny silverback gorrilas, and last but not least the Yeti.
 
Super-Dave said:
Shotgun vs grizzly, polar bear, crocodiles, elk, moose, lion, tigers, elephants, waterbuffalo, hipppos, horny silverback gorrilas, and last but not least the Yeti.
Click to expand...

At close range it would probably work well on all except the elephant,hippo and if by waterbuffalo you mean the 'cape buffalo'. It will also take out any Abominable Snowman I've ever seen.

bumble.bmp

Then again...
 
So even the dreaded "horny silver back gorilla" would be no match for a 12 gauge slug at less than 25 yards.

Head shot, neck shot or heart shot. What would be the safest to go for?
 
So all the game I listed above would be ethical to kill with a shotgun, except the elephant and hippo?

Do you think you could drop the polar bear or yeti with the shotgun before they ripped you to pieces?
 
I am not sure about ethical - I think the Yeti is an endangered species.:p

25 yds from any of those would not be my idea of a really fun time...especially if they were intent on turning you into compost
 
In Africa, natives and settlers used Paradox guns (12 gauge with rifled barrels) to shoot everything and anything for many years. Probably one reason why there weren't very many second-time elephant hunters among the natives.

Be careful of the Yeti, I have heard they carry throwing stars to use against hunters armed with shotguns. And I won't even go into what the silverback gorillas use . . .
 
Going stricly by perceptions, I would think a 12g slug from a 3 inch mag going through a long enough barrel would compare fairly favorably with some big/dangerous game rifle rounds at shorter ranges. Longer ranges it for sure the rifles hands down.

But then, perceptions aren't saying much and I wouldn't bet my life on it. I do know the 12g slugs are pretty mean though.
 
I saw a show on TV the other night about the Polar Bear patrol up in Manatobia. Thier weapon of choice was the 12ga with slugs. About the only time I can think of where it would be useless is.....eh...er...uh...maybe if you are out of shells but then it would be a better club than a handgun. :)
 
Re:Buzzcook

That punt gun sure is impressive. But remember, there are some really tough BG's around. What if you needed a second shot?
 
A sabot slug in a 3 1/2 inch shell is gonna be well more than a peashooter.... Within' accepted range it will drop any the above plenty well... But I ain't no pro hunter. I did however stay in my bed with my bride of 19+ years and 2 dogs last night...
Brent
 
i'd skip sabot slugs all together, you have the power of a shotgun and then throw out a low velocity smallish rifle bullet. full bore slugs all the way. also note that most all slugs w/ the exception of dixie slugs and brenekke slugs, are soft lead and are known to break up upon hitting bone. dixie slugs are the hardest available with brenekke next up at bat. i'd grab either of those two when going after the biggest animals.
 
I hunt with an 870, and I'm very new to the sport so I'll gladly defer to the experts here. But this is my experience with uselessness and shotguns; when I've got bird shot loaded I see deer and when I've got slugs or buckshot loaded I see birds. I guess I should think about a double-barrelled gun.
 
just don't get caught in NJ with buckshot/slugs and birdshot together. mainah. shotgun with slugs for deer and black bear. maybe some moose and grizzly. i wouldn't trust it for the others like the buffalo. they can get pretty mad if you only tickle them with a shot.
 
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