need advice on purchasing used deerslayer ii
 

Hi everyone, a few questions for you...

I'm looking to buy a slug gun for deer season this year, preferably an Ithaca. I've found a used Deerslayer II 12 gauge for $700. It's King's Ferry made, 7 years old, apparently hardly used (I haven't seen it in person, am out of state), and has a laminate thumbhole stock.

Questions:

- Is this a good value? How about compared to a new Deerslayer II ($900)? Anything in that general price range is doable.
- What do people think of these laminate thumbhole stocks? I'm dubious about stocks not made from real wood, is that stupid of me?
- Any owners of this same gun out there? Thought's/experiences?
- Any thoughts on the quality of King's Ferry stuff vs newer Ohio stuff? The guy selling me this suggests the King's Ferry ones were all handmade, and the Ohio factory is production-based (so the quality has suffered).

Thanks for any input.

Not sure of the value ... sounds reasonable. I suggest if at all possible arrange for a cahnce to test at a range. Laminates are OK. Know guys that have had them in the field for years. Shaped thumbhole .... I don't think I would care for because I have often found myself having to shoot off hand (for me that is left handed). I think that I would find a thumb hole cut for a right handed shooter even more awkward. No experience with Kings Ferry.

Where are the MONITORS . Arrgh !!!

If thumbholes were pretty I might consider it but being a competitive benchrest shooter ive seen many guys buy them then put them up for sale soon after. Its a wannabe shooters stock at the very least, tacticool at the very best. Not being familiar with the Deerslayer II, is it fully rifled/cantilevered? Tell me what quality sabot it shoots good to save me the trouble of trying all the brands then let me shoot it myself to prove it. Come with a decent scope? 700$ seems like alot of money for a used slug gun to me. I like deals that I can flip if it doesnt shoot good and this doesnt seem like one to me.

My $.02 is negative on the thumbhole stocks...especially on hard kicking slug throwers. I also think the price is a bit high for a used model. Perhaps some checking on auction sites (such as Gunbroker) will yield comparable values.

Yep, fully rifled, and apparently shoots Winchester BRI sabots the best. No scope.

The stock is a pretty big turnoff for me, but I'm just not finding any alternative used deerslayer ii's elsewhere.

Thanks for that, I tend to agree I think.

I know this isnt part of your question but you can get a 870 Express with a cantilever barrel for around 350$ new. Another 200$ for a nice scope and mounts and your in business. Winchester BRIs were nice 20 yrs ago but theres much more potent shells to choose from and about 500fps faster.

I would save money and opt for something else.....Savage 212 (12ga.), Savage 220f (20ga.), Remington 870 in either 12ga. or 20ga., or a few others.....I have a 220f & with the ammo I'm using I'm shooting 3/4" groups at 100yds.

Nothin wrong with a Deerslayer, but that Savage 220F is hard to beat topped with a Ziess Conquest !

Price seems high to me ...If thats waht you want them grab it? There are better guns out there for less ..just my2 cents !!!