I don't buy that theory at all. All of the deer my niece have killed were with a .410 slug or with buckshot. None were inside of 30yds either,no scope was used and all dropped within sight. Common sense and good shot placement, not bigger more powerful bullets,mean a better chance of recovery.

My son got a Rossi Matched Pair 22LR/20ga for Christmas. The only reason we got the 20ga instead of the .410 is because I thought it'd be better in the long run for him to hunt deer and turkey with because he can use it when he's older. I've noticed a couple things with this gun already, the 22LR barrel is tapped and will get a scope soon and the 20ga is a little strong for him right now. I do know, however, that with all of the heavy thickets around us I wouldn't hesitate to throw buckshot in the 20ga and take it on a bedding area stalk. As small as it is, it'll fit through even the tightest thickets easily and the barrel has more than enough knockdown power.