Depends on the rifle, but most likely I would pick the rifle. Terminal performance for rifle bullets is MUCH better than anything we currently have for shotguns. And you never really know what shot will be presented to you in the field. I want that extra advantage if I can have it.

The key would be picking the right bullet for the job.

If you think a smooth bore shotgun with rifled slugs is going to do anywhere near the internal damage of a high powered rifle with the proper bullet you have been misled somewhere down the line. Shotguns tend to punch big holes in deer, but really don't transfer that much energy. Where as a rifle bullet might make a smaller hole, but it does much more damage to soft tissue and organs and can transfer more energy because of the increased velocity and bullet design.

And many can do it with much less recoil than a slug gun. If it were legal where I live I would pick a .243 over a slug gun any day of the week. Heck I probably wouldn't even own a slug gun if I didn't have to. Ammo is half the price, it has twice the range, twice the accuracy in most cases and at least half the recoil, probably much less in most cases. Not much of a choice to me.

Heck I would take a lever action 44 magnum over a slug gun.

My opinion anyway, for what it's worth.

Paul