Josh93

I only have a .22 and a 16 gauge shotgun to hunt with (I also have a Mosin-Nagant but that thing must be warped because every shot is different ).

Anyway, I was wondering if it possible to hunt deer with a 16 gauge? I mean, you can hunt anything with a 16 gauge but some things its not really a good choice I guess haha.

Is it too small and underpowered to effectively and ethically kill a deer? And if I were to use it, would it be better with a slug or with buckshot? This is my first season hunting, and I've been hunting squirrels but sort of have an itching to try deer hunting, but if it's a bad idea to try it out with this gun than I'll hold off until I'm better armed next season.

Thanks for the advice as usual all, much appreciated

redgreen

Slugs. Shoot them and see where they shoot. A 16 will hammer a deer or bear. Keep em at 50 yards if you can hit a decent group. 100 if it will group that far.

chaded

Well a slug for deer would be more effective but a 16 gauge is bigger than a 20 gauge and smaller than a 12 so no its not under-powered by any stretch.

indiana deer hunter

It has plenty of power . Like previously stated stronger then a 20 gauge weaker then a 12. You would want to shoot slugs.

Josh93

Well that's good to hear! Might take it out and give it a go. Ive got a box of 5 slugs: 2 3/4 IN 4/5 OZ. These should do the trick?

chaded

You may have to shoot a few different brands to see what your gun likes or you may fine good accuracy with the ones you have. What model gun is it and does it have a fixed choke or a interchangable choke system? If it has a fixed choke what choke is it? Modified, Improved Cylinder, etc?

Josh93

To be honest I'm not sure about the choke. Its an old single shot Savage. I bought it about 2 years ago for 30$ basically because it was 30$, but it ended up being my favorite gun to shoot and I have shot it quite a bit. I believe its from the 50's

elmoughler

I started hunting with a JC Higgins 16 ga bolt action my grandpa gave me. It will do the job. I loved that gun but now it just sits in the gun safe since the firing pin is broke and I can't find anyone to fix it for a decent price.

MUZZY 100

I killed my first 5 deer with the 16 ga. the Jc higgins bolt action..........

elmoughler

Those are fun guns aren't they