hoglaw Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 First of all, I'm not a big hunter. I like to turkey hunt and duck hunt a little, but I don't hunt deer at all. I've been on plenty of deer hunts, but am normally content to sit in a stand and watch, or spot for someone else. That being said, I'm going on a hunt with some old classmates this weekend. The only firearm I own that's suitable is my 870. The question of the day is - buckshot or slugs? What do you guys normally use? What other information do you need that would factor into your opinion? Any help would be much appreciated.
bclift65706 Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 use a slug I think buckshot is illeagal.
hoglaw Posted November 13, 2008 Author Posted November 13, 2008 This is in Arkansas. I'm not aware of it being illegal, but obviously I need to check into that. Thanks.
Members fisher19 Posted November 13, 2008 Members Posted November 13, 2008 The slug is your best bet. It's going to have a lot more nock down power and your only going to have one hole in the deer instead of a bunch.
flyfishmaster Posted November 14, 2008 Posted November 14, 2008 hoglaw, I agree with everon else, use a SLUG. I'm in IL and we can only use shotgun/muzzelloader/hand gun/bow. Next you are going to be getting a bunch of people telling what slugs to use in the your gun. I'm assuming you have a smooth bore barrel. Here is my first hand knowledge of the 870s. When I owned an 870 and my 4 freinds also owned different sytles of 870, it seems that the Remington Slugger was the best slug for the gun. I cannot even tell you how many other brands and types we have range tested, but we always ended up going back to the Slugger. I didn't have a preference between 2¾" or 3" shells, they shot the same for me. I hope this helps you out. Later, FFM Woo Hoo Fish On!!
jdmidwest Posted November 14, 2008 Posted November 14, 2008 The slug would be the best choice. Be sure to screw in a Cylinder or Improved Cylinder choke tube if so equipped as it is the only choke recommended for slugs. If the 870 has a vent rib, you may try to find some of the fiber optic sights that attach to the rib to give you a better sight pattern. Spend a little extra money on the slugs and they will shoot more accurately. Remember to limit your shot to shorter ranges, I would suggest no farther than 50 yards based on the fact that you will probably not have time to get much practice in. Try to borrow a rifle or even a large bore handgun and you may have better results. Good luck this weekend. "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." — Hunter S. Thompson
Terry Beeson Posted November 18, 2008 Posted November 18, 2008 Wow... this is a loaded question ... I hope you got enough information that you didn't do anything to your 870 this weekend... Slugs and buckshot are both legal in Arkansas. Buckshot have gone out of favor because of the advancement over the past several years in slugs and barrels. But buckshot is still very effective in the right situation and does have knockdown power contrary to what some might think. Effective range of buckshot is much shorter than a slug for sure. Several considerations must be taken into account when considering using a slug in a gun though... 1. Which 870 do you have and what barrel? An older 870 with a fixed choke will have to have a CYL or IC choke. If it is a screw in type, you can change to either. And I'm assuming you do not have a deer barrel for it. THAT'S the BEST choice. I would not make a habit of firing slugs through any "standard" barrel. Buy a good deer barrel for that. 2. The slug should be a rifled slug unless you are using a deer barrel (rifled barrel) on the shotgun. Then use a straight slug. 3. Slugs can be effective even up to 150-200 yards in the right gun/barrel/shell combination. But assuming the barrel you have is not a deer barrel, and the fact that it is not "sighted in" I would not take a shot more than 50 yards. 4. Consider purchasing a single shot deer rifle for just such occasions. In most cases, I hunt with guys who are more than willing to lend me a gun for a day or weekend. That's an even cheaper option... Of course, they tend to price it to me on Sunday afternoon.... LOL Good luck... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
hoglaw Posted November 18, 2008 Author Posted November 18, 2008 Thanks for all the advice guys. I wound up not shooting. I was in a buck only zone and didn't get a shooter deer into comfortable range. The gun is an 870 Express Super Mag. I was told by a trusted individual that a modified choke would be fine. I don't own a cylinder or improved cylinder, just modified, improved, and turkey.
Terry Beeson Posted November 19, 2008 Posted November 19, 2008 Yeah, but it's a sweetheart of a gun, huh? Have one myself. I'd like to have a slug barrel for it. Maybe someday... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
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