a 20ga. will take down deer size game just as quickly as a 12ga without the recoil, the 20ga is somewhat equal to a .50cal muzzleloader

It sure does, unless you're Napoleon, then you need 3" 12ga mag slugs to kill a deer...

20ga has enough juice out to about 200yds using the 1000 ft-lbs of energy formula.

20ga about 260grs, which is about a .338 slug, of course not moving as fast, but I think few would argue if 250grs in a 338 is enough gun for elk...etc...even brown bear?

12 ga....385grs slugs? which is close to the size of a .416remington slug...

these are deer not cape buffalo.

I've witnessed deer shot at less than 50yds with 12ga slugs, think the deer was hit 3times in the heart and just stood there like it wasn't hit, then stumbled away 50 yds.

I really don't see 12ga killing any better than 20ga slugs.

The only deer I've ever seen bang/flop was a doe, probably a yearling or so at about 75yds with a 12ga.

I'd rather make a quality shot with a 20ga slug in the heart/lungs than a bad/who knows where shot with a 12ga.

most 20ga slugs should be lighter guns, less kick, more accurate, it's almost completely a win-win in my view.

I really don't plan to shoot past 200yds with my slug gun.

I used the Savage 220 F last season here in IN. Great gun dropped one at 220 yards with it.

Thanks for the continued input everyone,I'm digesting it all with the wife.

If you are going to get her a shotgun for slug hunting, has she shot a slug gun before?
Something no one mentioned was that is she of small stature and can she handle the recoil of a slug gun?
Take a look at the 20ga over the 12ga for this reason. I am a Cert. Firearms Instructor for the agency I work for and handle many weapons within my job spectrum and work with women as well. We have to qualify with shotguns and many complain about the recoil and many come to me on advice of a weapon for themselves or wives. I let them shoot my wifes Rem 11-87 Premier 20ga with Cantilever barrel and Nikon scope and at 100yds it will hold with most and slug on the market. I as well have a Mossberg 500 Trophy Slugster with dual comb in 20ga, ported barrel and it shoots great as well. My son has taken 11 deer with it and I have taken 8, one at a lasered 167yds one shot drop.

I think th 20guage sounds good for her,thanks,

In my opinion the 44 Mag is the way to go. I'd get it in a Marlin 1894 or similar lever action, or even better a Ruger 77.

I would not recommend a pump shotgun over any of the options out there.

I have a Marlin 512 (similar to the Mossberg 695) and it shoots great, but I bought it before Indiana allowed certain rifles. If I had no deer gun and wanted to buy one now, I'd definitely go with a rifle. For a factory round, the 44 is hard to beat. I am seriously tempted by the wildcat rounds that are out there now, like the 358 WSSM. They are getting very good performance.

If the new proposal to allow cases up to 1.8" in length passes, I will be buying a new barrel for my Savage 308, for a wildcat based on the 308 case. Basically just screw on the new barrel and it's done. It will shoot a 200 gr bullet at about 2500 fps.

20ga
 

Great choice....