The 870 has been around for ages, is very popular and for good reason. It is one of the best pump shotguns out there. The other responses cover the subject of slugs & buckshot rather well. If you use it for deer, use slugs! They are more effective than buckshot. It will shootFoster type slugs and original style Brennekes as well. For sabot slugs, you'd need a rifled bore or screw-in choke tube. You could buy a rifled barrel for it and swap for deer hunting.