I have killed more deer iwth shotgun than any other type of weapon due to regulations in the cointies I hunt and the style of hunting sometimes.. But I would have to say that I have taken a number of deer with the .410 now before you all go and start bashing on me I will say that the first deer I killed was with the .410 with a slug and at 40 yards.. it was a broad side standing shot. it only ran around 50 yards.. I feel that while the .410 is by far the gun for choice on marginal shots that if you take only high % shots and know your limits and you guns limit you can take deer and do it humanly with the .410 Since taking my first many years ago I quickly grew into the larger gauge guns and love them.. each one holds a special place in my heart. I have a few times taken the .410 out since that first day and have also harvested a few other deer with it.. but like I said you have to feel comfortable.. That being said I have gone to the other extreme latley and used my Browning BPS 10 gauge last year to take a few deer with.. this thing is a dream...now if it was only about half the weight lol....jmo