Sight question for shotgun hunting...
#1

I bought a Stoeger M3000 Turkey edition 12ga last spring.
It has a fiber optic front sight on it but no rear bead.
I was wondering if the front sight would suffice for deer hunting at close ranges? (50 yds & under)
I still need to target shoot it but I imagine it would work for these distances, just wondered if anyone else used this type of setup or not.
In the past I have always used my scoped TC Omega during firearms season here in Indiana (legal).
But wanted to try out my semi-auto with some rifled slugs this season.
It has a fiber optic front sight on it but no rear bead.
I was wondering if the front sight would suffice for deer hunting at close ranges? (50 yds & under)
I still need to target shoot it but I imagine it would work for these distances, just wondered if anyone else used this type of setup or not.
In the past I have always used my scoped TC Omega during firearms season here in Indiana (legal).
But wanted to try out my semi-auto with some rifled slugs this season.
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ponce de Leon Florida USA
Posts: 10,079

Only one way to find out and that is to get three or four different brands of slugs, put up a target and see how well you can hit it. I would be looking for a rifled barrel and a scope myself.
#3

Right... or just use my Omega. The point in using my shotgun at this particular property is any potential shots will be under 50 yards. Most likely in the 20-40 yard range. I was hoping I wouldn't have to scope it for a shot that close. I will only be using it for deer occasionaly at this one particular stand. I guess I'll just have to shoot it and see if I can hit a 6" circle on a paper plate at 50 yards. Thought it would be a change using a shotgun during our firearms sason here. Use the ML during ML season or when I'm hunting an area where I may have to take some longer shots.
#4

Rifled slugs are cheap, I'd just try it out and see how well you can group it. I would think it would be fine. I have an old goose gun that I shoot rifled slugs through ones in a while (just in case I need a back up or loaner for some reason), I'd feel ok shooting out to 40 yards with it. Just make sure you have a consistent sight picture.
#6

I've affixed a red dot sight to my 1187. I bought it for hunting deer this year but I went goose hunting with it on Saturday and wow, I felt like I was cheating. Had a group pass right in front of me at about 35 yds and it was like playing a video game. Place the dot in front of a bird, slap the trigger and watch 'em drop.
It seems to place slugs pretty accurately too. I appreciate that it doesn't blot out the target. Note that I haven't shot at a deer yet but I sure did appreciate how easy it was to line up the barrel Saturday.
It seems to place slugs pretty accurately too. I appreciate that it doesn't blot out the target. Note that I haven't shot at a deer yet but I sure did appreciate how easy it was to line up the barrel Saturday.
#7
Fork Horn
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: WISCONSIN
Posts: 482

I can't imagine hunting with a smoothbore & irons. ****, I have a 2.5-9x50 scope on my slug gun.

#8

Well then.... I suppose I will use my Omega instead. Or keep hunting with the Excal. Like I was saying, the area I am hunting will allow for shots at about 30-40 yards. I don't need a scope on any of my guns to shoot deer at what is equivalent to archery ranges. I was just curious if a shotgun with rifled slugs would work at these distances. I guess not. Wonder why they mass produce and sell rifled shotgun slugs for smoothbore barrels if they don't work???...

I am happy for you that you have a 2.5-9x50 on your slug gun. But not necessarily impressed.

#10

Thanks. That was what I have been thinking. I've deer hunted for years. But have always used use ML or CB. Thought it would be a change of pace trying out the new shotgun.