Sight Gauge

How far can you hunt deer with a 12 gauge?

I was going to get a rifle but I had a better idea,I could save up any spare money I get for the next year and buy a nice one or look for a really good deal on a used one,so until then im going to use a shotgun. The problem is how would slugs work with a bead sight?Im thinking with bead sight I shouldn't take shots over 70 yards,is that right? Also the gun is a mossberg 500 all purpose field model Well im open to new ideas as long as they don't cost a whole lot,what sights should I get?Ghost rings?Also how much would it cost me? I was going to get a heat shield for $35 that comes with ghost rings but im trying to not make the gun to heavy to lugs around,It would be easier if I had a sling. Josh,this will be my first hunt so I haven't invested anything into it but the hunters ed (which I still have not finished) and the ammo,the gun that will be used was already bought as a fun gun. If all goes well and I can find private land to hunt I will invest in a stand,but I don't think they allow them on the public land I will be on

Public Comments

1. most likely yes
2. My best friend used to hunt deer with his Browning 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, and he says 50 yards is about as good as it gets with a bead sight. Also, don't forget you have to factor in drop (I believe he said the drop at 50 yards is about 3-4 inches).
3. Slugs will work, but as you might imagine you need to hit the deer, so usually shots around 50 yards are best, but your maximum of 70 is okay.
4. About 75 yards sounds right. If your hunting in a stand (not on a high line) then a shotgun shouldn't hurt
5. Your max. range with YOUR gun depends on how far you are comfortable shooting a deer i have a Mossburg 500 preswader with an 18 1/2" barrel bead sight yet i was using 3'" magnum hollow pointed slugs and brought down a button buck at 110 yards
6. Ths accuracy of a shotgun is about 50 yards after that the accuracy decreases.