Hi Peyman,

I actually have three barrels for my 870. A ribbed 28" with interchangeable chokes. For shooting nearly any size shot. I have a sighted smoothbore for shooting Buckshot or Foster types slugs when and if used defensively, (and that is the barrel that stays on the gun at all times....other than hunting. It is also the barrel I use as a camp gun barrel with Brennekes in bear country). And I have a sighted Rifled Barrel that is zeroed and used when required for deer hunting.

Unless forced to do otherwise....I only use buckshot in a defensive role. Though if properly patterned....I could see using Magnum #4 buck (or something similar) for close range called in coyotes...in heavy cover! I would think they could be extremely effective at close to moderate range. The 12 gauge 3" Magnum #4 Buck has 41 pellets per load. Probably very good coyote medicine, (especially when teamed with another person using a centerfire varmint rifle). Shotgun for close, fast, work.....rifle for long range precision! A heck of a combination!

But it is a matter of preference!