Sight Gauge

can i go deer hunting with a smooth bore 12 gauge?

i have a mossberg 500 and i was wanting to go hunting with it using slugs could i use the standard sight on it, and will it even be able to make good shot with it not bieng an actual slug gun, i usually go bowhunting so if range is the problem im used to waiting for the deer to get within 40-50yds

Public Comments

1. Yes, you can fire slugs. Shotgun range is often underestimated, I've seen deer killed at 60rds with buckshot.
2. well, I'd use the same concept as bow hunting, 60 yards max, I'd first shoot at targets at the range to make sure, but you pretty much have it down. if you mean legally, I believe all states allow the use of shotguns with slugs for hunting big game.
3. Yes. I would use a rifled slug.
4. Since its smooth bore use rifled slugs.IF you have a bead sight I suggest this http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/stocks/shotgun-stocks/p/heatshield-with-ghost-ring-sights-for-shotguns-sbs4600-/cPath/1_388_420_22/products_id/1590 much easier to aim
5. Take your shotgun to the range and shoot it with the ammo you will hunt with. See how close of a pattern you get. Many good shotguns with high quality slugs will give a good grouping at 100 yards. You do have to figure on the drop at this distance. Power is not a problem it's accuracy. Don't shoot at a range you can't make a clean kill. In much of NY dear can only be hunted with shotguns. A lot of dear get eaten in these areas. (luckily, I live in the rifle zone.)
6. Yes. It's legal in all states that allow deer hunting, and it's effective. Some states (Iowa comes to mind) ONLY allow deer hunting with shotguns because of the population density. 40 -- 60 yards should be well within the accurate range of a slug or even buckshot. A rifled slug is certainly accurate enough at that distance. The Mossberg should be fine for that purpose.
7. Yes, with a full diameter slug, it should work fine. You would probably be limited to less than 100 yds or so. Set up a target and see how it shoots. If it is not good enough for you, try a different brand or model of slug until you get something that works well in your particular shotgun. If you have choke tubes in it, us a cylinder or improved cylinder choke tube if possible.
8. Absolutely! Buy rifled slugs as you have the smooth bore, use your longest barrel (probably the 28.5" on the Mossberg 500 - own this one myself) and you are good out to a max of 150 or 200 yards max. Spend a little time at the range and get your shots dialed in and have fun! Just make sure you are using Rifled slugs Not sabot style...I like the Winchester 3" magmum slugs