Older Bolt Action Shotguns as Slug Guns

[westkraut]

I am wondering if anyone has actual data regarding the strength of bolts and receivers on older Mossberg, Stevens, Marlin bolt action shotguns in terms of their use for use as "slug" guns for deer and other large game? They seem to perform very well with plain barrel with poly-choke style chokes set to IC or if a plain barrel in modified or cut to allow slugs. I have been especially impressed with the accuracy of a 20 ga and want to invest a bit more into this by scoping it. Is there any scientific/sound literature available regarding their long term use with slugs?

 

[dutchhunter]

If thy are in good condition you should have no problem with modern slugs. Just make sure you know the chamber length. The bolt action is a very sturdy action and some were made for magnum loads like the marlin goose gun.

 

[Wulfgard]

If thy are in good condition you should have no problem with modern slugs. Just make sure you know the chamber length. The bolt action is a very sturdy action and some were made for magnum loads like the marlin goose gun.

How were those old goose guns to shoot? A bolt seems awkward to me for rapid fire in the blind and they came with really long barrels too if memory serves.

 

[westkraut]

Most are not much different than firing a bolt action rifle though some could be improved with a slight bend to the bolt handle. The stocks are generally not quite as comfortable as that on a rifle or the super expensive modern bolt action slug guns with pistol grip/Monte Carlo furniture. One shot with slug at a deer within range would do the job nicely.

 

[wbaad]

Goose gun seemed much better in quality than the Stevens. Much smoother to operate. Only thing is the barrel is 100 feet long!

 

[westkraut]

Hi Wolfgard, Yes, you are sure correct, they are a clumsy design for something like migratory birds, and very difficult to get off a second useful shot after high speed ducks or geese. Most are not much different than firing a bolt action rifle though some could be improved with a slight bend to the bolt handle. The stocks are generally not quite as comfortable as that on a rifle or the super expensive modern bolt action slug guns with pistol grip/Monte Carlo furniture. One shot with slug at a deer within range would do the job nicely if one has iron sights or a scope properly cited in for the effective range for slugs or buck shot.

 

[Wulfgard]

Hi Wolfgard, Yes, you are sure correct, they are a clumsy design for something like migratory birds, and very difficult to get off a second useful shot after high speed ducks or geese. Most are not much different than firing a bolt action rifle though some could be improved with a slight bend to the bolt handle. The stocks are generally not quite as comfortable as that on a rifle or the super expensive modern bolt action slug guns with pistol grip/Monte Carlo furniture. One shot with slug at a deer within range would do the job nicely if one has iron sights or a scope properly cited in for the effective range for slugs or buck shot.

Sound to me like a novelty gun then, or like i'd be better off with a nice pump or semi. Provided the liberals don't go stupid like Australia did with the pump and semi shotgun ban...

 

[Spcamno]

Not sure about others but those Geha shotgun converted from Mauser bolt action is a no no for today's slug round or basically any high brass round due to the fact when they do the conversion both front lock lug are pretty much milled to accept a difference bolt head for the shot shell and the only locking surface is the back up ( third ) lug on the bolt handle.

I know this is the case for all Geha 12 gauge not sure if the 16 gauge are any better.

I know we are like to experiment play around with our guns but a Savage rifled bolt gun are not too expensive especially in the used market thus make me think it might not be the most economically way to start building one from an older bolt action shotgun.

As the matter of fact I think Mossberg used to make the 195 slug gun ( smooth bore ) prior to the rifled 695.