best slug shotgun?

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dnkosh

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I'd like some input on what is the best rifled barrel slug shotgun out there. I'm leaning toward a 20 gauge as I am over 60 and don't want to be beat up by a 12 gauge. I like the idea of a pump but will consider a single shot if it is more reliable and accurate. I've seen some bad reviews for the 870... your thoughts? This for bear defence at the cabin and deer hunting out to 100 yards.:confused:http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif
 
I'm not a fan of rifled shotgun barrels and I believe that their disadvantages outweigh any benefits in a general purpose shotgun. A traditional lead slug doesn't require a rifled barrel to shoot straight, and the rifled bore rules out shotshell loads for use on small game and birds. I wonder if taking into consideration the limitations of the rifled barrel and your recoil limitations, if a light rifle wouldn't be a better choice for you than a 20 ga. A Marlin or Winchester lever action is nicer to carry than than any repeating shotgun, a .30/30 or will solve your deer hunting out to 100+ yards, any black bear issue you might need to resolve with gunfire, and do it with less recoil than the 20 ga. Additionally if you took up handloading you could put together some low velocity loads for small game, which have a soft report and negligible recoil and damage no more meat than does a Hi-Speed .22, making your levergun pretty versatile.
 
My uncle came out with his 20 gauge Mossberg 535. I took it out back in my makeshift range. I love the rifled barrel that comes with it and find it quite accurate. I like it so much that I will be buying one for myself this week.
 
Zner said:
My uncle came out with his 20 gauge Mossberg 535. I took it out back in my makeshift range. I love the rifled barrel that comes with it and find it quite accurate. I like it so much that I will be buying one for myself this week.
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I had the exact same thing happen only with a 12ga 535 (I have not seen a 20ga one). I said I would never own a shotgun for deer hunting let alone a mossberg.
I was so impressed with how a friends 535 shot and grouped with the rifled barrel I ordered one with the two barrel set from epps last week. I should have it today or tomorrow

Forgot to mention. I also own 11 870's in all gauges mostly wingmasters and two express but other than the rattle in the forearm on the mossberg which is common I could see no reason to pay the extra for a 870 deer gun over the 535 mossberg.
 
Way back when I lived in a shotgun/archery area (WMZ) my buddies without bow skills used different shotguns.
My one pal who grew up there used a smoothbore .410 with slugs and filled his tags every year.
3" slugs move pretty good and are plenty for deer.
Easier on old bones I'm thinkin.
 
Boomer said:
I wonder if taking into consideration the limitations of the rifled barrel and your recoil limitations, if a light rifle wouldn't be a better choice for you than a 20 ga.
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he's likely in a shotgun/muzzleloader only area ;)

the savage 220f 20 gauge bolt action is getting GREAT reviews from guys who have taken the time to find the right ammo and are getting 1" groups at 100 yards. its basically a rifle shooting a slug from what i understand.

that said, ellwood epps website shows they have ONE of these guns for nearly $100 cheaper than a few other shops so it must be a good deal. i've never dealt with the store before so im not trying to advertise. i just happened to checkout their website a couple days ago before i decided against buying another gun. :(
 
Thanks for the input. I already have a fine deer rifle - a .270 Savage with accutrigger. The 20 gauge would be a spare gun for deer and a way to dispose of troublesome bruins at short range. I already have 12 gauge single shot smoothbore but it doesn't have sights, so that's why I'm looking at a dedicated slug gun. I will be selling my .58 TC Big Boar muzzleloader to pay for the new shotgun.
 
i got to shot the new ithaca deer salyer 2 in 20g at range day and WOW is all i can say .three shots all touching at 100 yards .very nice gun DUTCH
 
I recommend the Ithaca Deerslayers as well. The III with a scope probably will serve you very well. II if you like iron sights.
 
First and foremost, these are not my words. They are another members on this site. Sadly, I do not remember who as I did not copy down the name of the original author. If you recognize this post please identify so credit can be given accordingly...

Some excellent information that may help you decide. A copy and paste..


"First off, this post really belongs in the "guns" section. Most of the more knowledgeable slug gun owners keep a closer eye on that forum. That being said. Here is my take.

Secondly, you said "make", to me that implies you are looking for a current production gun. The only two being currently produced are the Savage 210 (400$), and the custom Tar Hunts (2500$).(I'll assume that is out of your expected price range)

Therefore the discussion should be really be about what is available.

You have4 choices in modern dedicated slug guns. The Savage 210 (400$new), Mossberg 695 (300$used), Marlin Slug-master (250$used), Browning A-bolt (1250$used),(I'll assume that is out of your price range as well).

So that now leaves us with three guns.

1)Marlin Slug-master....least accurate, problems with shell feeding, etc. not really a good choice.

2)Mossberg 695....similar to the Savage. It is more cumbersome in the hand. (if you have a problem with the savage chances are you will not like the Mossberg).Mostly importantly, it has a huge detraction. It is ported. I think any serious slug hunter would be foolish to risk their hearing by shooting this gun without hearing protection. (Lets face it very few hunters wear hearing protection in the field). For this reason alone I would never consider purchasing this gun.

3)Savage 210....Most accurate of the three, closest to a rifle in overall feel etc. My personal choice, and one of my two slug guns.(The other being an A-bolt).

Even if you don't like the feel,it must be regarded as one of the best choices.

One other gun that should be considered when discussing dedicated slug guns is the H and R Ultra slug. Of course this is a single shot, and not a very practical field gun. However it is very accurate and may more useful for some specific hunting situations such as stand hunting."

 
Does anyone have any experience with the Ultra Slug Hunter Compact. I like the short length, heavy barrel, but still only weighs 7 pounds. I have to travel by quad to some of my hunting areas and the compact length is appealing.
 
Older M37 20 gauge Ithaca Featherlight w/M87 20 inch fully rifled barrel can do this:
Sabot-1.jpg
 
Thompson pro hunter with a 20gauge fully riffled 28inch barrel,shoots outstanding I have seen my friend put 3 shoots on the X mark all touching each other feehand at a 100yards using a 2.5-10X40 bushnell. Just a great gun but it is only a signal shot
 
Greg Griffin said:
Thompson pro hunter with a 20gauge fully riffled 28inch barrel,shoots outstanding I have seen my friend put 3 shoots on the X mark all touching each other freehand at a 100yards using a 2.5-10X40 bushnell. Just a great gun but it is only a signal shot
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That was a one off.Bet he can't do that again
 
There are so many good slug guns now to choose from that its really up to you what one you like. Slug guns went from 50yd lead tossers to 200yd deer thumpers in a very short time. The new slugs are what has evolved the most, and is making this type of accuracy possible.

I have a Beretta Pintail that is plenty accurate for a 200yd shot with a good rest.
 
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