Dedicated Slug Gun

[TCman]

During deer season here in IN I use a TC Omega and have had great sucess, but my dad doesnt want to get into the whole black powder thing. I thought a slug gun would be a nice gift for him so he would quit taking his Wingmaster out in the rain.

I have looked into a couple different guns that might work. I want something that will be able to shoot 4 to 6 inch groups at 150 yds, but 200 yds is a plus.

Remington Superslug 870
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_sps_superslug.asp
This gun has a pinned barrel. I always saw the unpinned barrel in the 870 as a weakness.

Remington 870 SPS ShurShot Synthetic Cantilever
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_sPS_ShurShot_synthetic_cantilever.asp
A les expensive version of the Superslug (without the pinned barrel, but cantilever mount)

Model 11-87 Sportsman Shurshot Camo Cantilever
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_11-87/model_11-87_sportsman_shurshot_camo_cantilever.asp
Semi-auto version as above.

Model 210F Camo Slug Warrior
http://www.savagearms.com/210fcamo.htm
Bolt action 3 rount capacity.

Since IN now allows mid range rifles I could also look into something such as a
Ruger m77 in 44Mag
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=40&variation=77/44®&bct=Yes&type=Rifle

Which setup would be the most accurate? Also a 20ga would also be a consideration.

 

[T.A.Sharps]

I love my 870, but I will admit that it is a more love/hate relationship.

I have heard amazing things from sabot shooters with Remington semi autos. My 870 Express has given 8" groups at 200yrds.

The H&R Ultra Slug hunter is probably the most accurate shooter for sabot slugs out there. The only draw back is the single shot. I almost bought one instead of my 870. You can even get a 3.5" 20ga H&R, but you can only get the rounds from Hastings, the idea being the "smaller" cartridge would give tighter ballistics.



BE WARNED
The sabots are extraordinarily expensive!!!

And it takes a lot of trial and error to sight in yours, and find the ammo that it shoots the best. As well as test the trajectory. It is a high arc ballistic path, so you need to know where it shoots every 25 or 50 yards.

$12-$20 for 5 rounds stings bad, real bad. I spent around $200 just sighting in, and testing ammo. I say $200 cuz it hurts less, I think it may have been more....

 

[zippy13]

For accuracy, I believe the .44 Rem. Mag. in a rifle will be hands down more accurate than the best sabot rounds, and way less expensive. You may not want to get him a bolt action, does your state allow semi-auto mid-range rifles for deer?

 

[TCman]

How would the 44mag do at 150 yards and beyond? What semi auto do you have in mind?

 

[zippy13]

Oops... it seems to be a moot point.
I was thinking of the Ruger 99/44 as an alternative to their 77/44; however, it's no longer shown at the Ruger on-line catalog. Just when you get used to Ruger having something, they discontinue it. Not long ago, I was disappointed to learn they had discontinued their black powder revolvers, too.

 

[mrray13]

one can always get a lever gun in 44mag, instead of the bolt.

the 44mag, in a rifle configuration, should yield better then 2" groups at 150yds, IMHO.


in this situation, i would go with the 44mag as a first choice, then look into other shotguns. as far as shotguns go, any of the major brands with a slug barrel will produce for your dad. like T.A.Sharps mentioned, a rifled slug barrel will require sabot rounds, and they aren't cheap, but they are accurate.

 

[TCman]

Would the m96 be more accurate than the m77? I was thinking the opposite??? And the m77 comes in ss.