I was almost ready to buy a new H&R Thumbhole but nowthe Tar-Hunt has caught my eye. Is it really worth it?

$375 vs $2500

Does it shoot good enough to make up for it?

I'll tell you what is an absolute tackdriver. The new Ithaca Deerslayer III. I just went to a deer/turkey expo and bought one, shot it at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 235 yards and it was printing 3 inch groups out at 235 yards.. I know some people would complain about only getting 3 inch groups but thats amazing for a 12ga. at 235 yards. They retail for right around $1200 but they are definately worth every penny. If you go to Ithacagun.com they have a video of their tech's shooting it. Just a little input on trying to help make your decision

I dont believe you gain that much from a tar-hunt. I've heard of plenty H&R's, 870's, and Ithacas that will shoot just as good. I think the biggest advantage they have is fit and feel. These are custom built rifles, and I'm sure they are very comfortable to shoot. I cant see spending the money one. If you really want a bolt action slug gun, buy the Savage 210.

I don't think they are worth all that money. If a bolt action shotgun is what you want look for a used Browning, if not then go with the Savage like Johnnybravoo77 has said. I love my single shot H&R Ultra Deluxe, it is a complete track driver

All you need is a Rem 870 rifled barrel with cantilver scope mount, and a Nikon Pro-Staff 2-7x 32mm scope. I get great groups with Hornady SST's. I shot this 200lb. doe right through the heart at 110 yards.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/huntingthenorth/P1010002.jpg

I have the H&R 12ga. Can't beat it. Shot a buck at 108 yrds shooting 2 3/4 Lightfeids and dropped him.

Thought about a savage smokeless muzzleloader? If its legal in your state(some only gun season,some both gun and muzzleloader season), and if you are willing to put in alot of range time 325 yd shots are very doable. With only a little work its a 250 yd setup out of the box. Point and shoot out to 200 yds. Beats any slug gun I've ever seen, and for about $600.

Justanother option to think about.

Have any of you guys ever owned a tar-hunt? Or is this one of those, I have one, and want everyone else to buy one?

Personally never seen a tarhunt. Have seenseveral h&r's, 870's,500's,and ithica's. Never seen any one of them outshoot a decent centerfire rifle. I have seen this savage muzzleloader outshootmore than a fewgood centerfire rifles out to 300 yds. I assume the poster wants a longer range gun, in a place where the govt. told him he couldn't use a centerfire rifle on deer. It fits the bill if that is what he was looking for. Only get one shot, but you will never need more if you do your part.

IMO, any slug gun can be beat by atleast half of the inline black powder rifles on the market. Smokeless just takes the cleaning hassle out of it, and adds several yards to the practical range. A 300g bullet at 2350fps is more enough to take an deer at 350yds in experienced hands, and that is quite a ways farther out than a slug will be effective.

Sorry 95harley, I know you didn't ask about a ML. They are just more accurate farther out than a slug gun IMO. I would expect a $2500 shotgun to be more accurate than the cheaper ones I've handled, god knows I love my citori more than my 870(not 10x more though). The slug just isn't the best replacement for centerfire rifles.

You know I have never considered hunting with a ML during firearms seasons, but now that you mention it....I'd love to. My Encore has always been a great shooter for me and before than my Rem. 700 ML was always hot.