Rifled slugs only good to 50 yards ????? Pretty broad statement ... that said here in western ny i have hunted for 30 years with an old Ithaca deer slayer 18 inch smooth bore barrel 12 guage ,Brenneke slugs and have shot many deer out past 100 yards and grouped under 2 inches.I would have to imagine it depends on the gun / load and the ability of the hunter.