Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Posts: 579
Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
I've been invited on an Iowa deer hunt in December. Where I live I've never had a use for a slug. I have a Remington 870 pump gun that I will use. My dilemma is that I don't want to spend a ton of money for a one time hunt. I would like to know the results you slug hunters get when using a rifled choke tube. ALso, what kind of slugs are you using in a choke tube? I would like to be able to shoot at least 125 yards with enough accuracy to take a mature buck. Will the choke tube suffice or do I need to bite the bullet and invest in a new barrel? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!
#2
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
Shooting a slug 125 yards with only a rifle choke will be nearly impossible under any conditions. I know of people who have done it, but doing it consistently is quite a challenge. Get yourself a rifle barrel for $200 and shoot sabot slugs with confidence. If you get within range of a big buck, you'll thank yourself.
I hunt with a smoothbore 870 shooting slugs, but I can only hit a pie plate out to about 75 yards. Fortunately that's all I need in my shotgun hunting spots, but Iowa is a bit different.
I hunt with a smoothbore 870 shooting slugs, but I can only hit a pie plate out to about 75 yards. Fortunately that's all I need in my shotgun hunting spots, but Iowa is a bit different.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
I would like to be able to shoot at least 125 yards with enough accuracy to take a mature buck
Unless you have a barrel with rifled sights like a turkey barrel.
For once in a life hunt, I would almost loan you a 870 rifled barrel with rifled sights.
#4
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
Thanks for posting this question. I have often wondered the same thing. I have never lived anywhere that required the use of shotguns for deer so I have not used them much. I do like to carry a shotgun while camping in bear country and such.
#5
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
heck, the only time I EVER carried a shotgun for deer season, I missed a nice 8pt at 40 yrds WITH a rifled barrel AND a scope.........soooooo I'm out on this one
*** how many guys on here actually have the jewels to post that they MISSED a deer and laugh about it???!!!!!
*** how many guys on here actually have the jewels to post that they MISSED a deer and laugh about it???!!!!!
#7
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
I have a Winchester Model 12 in 16g. built in 1947, so obviously, it's a smooth bore. As a teen, I practiced at 50 and 100 yards with slugs on milk jugs. I scored a doe at 75 yards. It dropped, got up and ran about 40 yards, and dropped again for good.
BTW, the barrel is full choke, and it has a bead sight.
BTW, the barrel is full choke, and it has a bead sight.
#8
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Posts: 579
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
I'm sorry that I failed to mention I will be mounting a Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9X40 on the shotgun. I have looked on ebay and gunsamerica for a used cantilever rifled barrel to no avail. I've also done some research and Lightfield suggests using Lightfield Lites in a rifled choke tube. If I can't find a used barrel for a decent price I will use the choke tube and the Lites. Thanks guys for all of the quick replies.
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,445
RE: Rifled slug barrel vs. rifled choke tube
Since you asked for advice, I'd say go with a lower cost scope, and get a fully rifled barrel. I shoot a slug gun with a Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn 1.5-4.5 that cost $75. Works great.
I do think you can get by with just a tube if you want. You may have to try a few brands of sabot slugs until you get one that is accurate out to 125. I find I usually shoot my deer at less than half that range.
Do your target work with various brands at 50. Take the one that groups the best to do your final sight in, for say 75 or 100 yds, and then see how much drop you get out to your max. comfortable range.
I do think you can get by with just a tube if you want. You may have to try a few brands of sabot slugs until you get one that is accurate out to 125. I find I usually shoot my deer at less than half that range.
Do your target work with various brands at 50. Take the one that groups the best to do your final sight in, for say 75 or 100 yds, and then see how much drop you get out to your max. comfortable range.