I have and shoot several .410's. They are one of the most intriguing calibers (yes...410 is a caliber, not a gauge) that I've ever run across.

With 3" AND ONLY 3" slugs, they will kill deer out to 50 yards max. I've patterned 3 of my .410's and that's the end of the line for them. Optimum shots are more like 40 yards and less.

Here lies the problem with .410's and slugs. One problem is that most have a poor sighting system on them. Many have just the single bead for sighting and that just doesn't cut the mustard when you are trying to hit a reasonably small target on a deer. Another problem is availibilty of 3" slugs. Make sure (if you decide to go the .410 route) that you (or the user of the gun) has plenty of 3" slugs before season starts and that he shoots it many, many times before trying to take a deer with it. Also, many shotguns are picky when it comes to slugs...and there really aren't that many 3" .410 slugs on the market. The 2 1/2" slugs aren't worth their weight in rat poop.

A .410 is a caliber best handled by a veteran shooter, not a novice. I've seen it frustrate the hell out of a young hunter when they just can't hit a rabbit/squirrel with one because the pattern with shot is so small...and the same will happen with slugs.

If it were me...and I was having someone else use the gun...I'd opt for something different.