Using a smooth bore slug barrel for birds?

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crunch68

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Anyone ever use a smooth bore slug barrel for bird hunting?
It's a nice length, fixed mod. I wonder if the sights would get in the way(?)..

crunch
 
I have shot many dumb northern grouse using bird shot with a rifle sighted smooth bore 12 ga. I carried this shotgun because the calf moose season was also on and could change over to a slug if I happened to see a calf. I never did get a moose, but the grouse were delicious! WK
 
Hi WeakKnee,

I sure see the value in that. We're the birds on the ground?
If they flush, I'm wondering how much of a problem it is.
 
crunch68 said:
Hi WeakKnee,

I sure see the value in that. We're the birds on the ground?
If they flush, I'm wondering how much of a problem it is.
Click to expand...

When shooting a shotgun at a flushing/flying bird, your eyes should be focused on the target and not the sights. A proper fitting shotgun will point where your eyes are focused. Looking at the sights is a sure way to miss every bird you shoot at. If someone removed the beads on my shotguns, i wouldnt even notice because i never use it.
 
The shot spreads quickly in an open cylinder but I doubt too many people shoot grouse at goose distances. FOr most bush chickens it should have no problem.
 
crunch68 said:
I understand that, and Thanks for the reminder.
I do wonder how distracting the rifle sights will be.
Click to expand...

Well, I would suggest if one is going to fixate on the sights they will be a problem.
But, in the heat of the moment and the rush of busting birds ...if the lead ain't flying the birds won't be dieing.
Tiss a shotgun after all and it will likely do in a pinch and then some.
Rob
 
I hunted for blue and ruffed grouse with a 20 inch barrel rifle sight 870 this year.

For sitting grouses (pretty common here) I would use the front sight and ignore the rear. For wingshooting I would just swing (and usually miss) ignoring the sights.

Switching to a single shot for next year, not for sights but for longer barrel length in a short package.
 
Thanks Guys. Sounds like it's going to work out just fine. I probably, for fun, should check and see what sort of a pattern it throws.
 
The rear sight stuff and the higher front may indeed be a distraction in wing shooting......For a short while, I thought a Savage model 24 (22 mag top, 20 ga bottom) was going to be just what I needed to hunt snowshoe hare with my beagles.......Found that my shooting was off, bothered by those sights, so went back to 20 gauge over/under.With my head firmly on the stock, all "that stuff" interfered with my natural point and shoot routine. Try to shoot a few clays and see if you can make it work or not.
 
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