I have read all opinions, and agree with all. It depends on what ammo you are using. The standard fostor slug is good to 75 yrd. The Brenneke slug is good to about 125 yrd. The lead is a lot harder. At 200 yrds though it will drop 32'' in a smooth bore. Now the Hornady SST high velocity is good to 200 yrd's plus, under near perfect conditions. In Iowa's 2005 season a hunter shot a buck at 242 yrd's, one shot in the neck and he dropped. But most deer are taken less than 50 yrds. My farthest was 38.closest was 15. I hunt with a Mossberg.