Slug Shotgun vs. Large Calibre Rifle

Hey Everyone,

I have been reading another current thread going on about the merits of a 12ga vs 20ga slug shotgun for shooting deer. I didn't want to highjack that thread so I though I would ask my question here instead:

Why would one use a 12ga or 20ga shotgun with slugs over a larger calibre rifle? I hear that 20ga are pretty accurate out to about 150 yards however a lot of rifles can hit out to 300 yards (adduming the shooter is skilled enough). Is it just a versatility issue where you can use a shotgun for other hunts as well (unless it is rifled)?

I would really like to hear your feedback :)

It's against the law to use rifles for big game hunting in many (mostly southern) WMU's. I'm sure that if rifles were allowed, most would opt for a rifle over a shotgun.

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Originally Posted by arvanlaar

Hey Everyone,

I have been reading another current thread going on about the merits of a 12ga vs 20ga slug shotgun for shooting deer. I didn't want to highjack that thread so I though I would ask my question here instead:

Why would one use a 12ga or 20ga shotgun with slugs over a larger calibre rifle? I hear that 20ga are pretty accurate out to about 150 yards however a lot of rifles can hit out to 300 yards (adduming the shooter is skilled enough). Is it just a versatility issue where you can use a shotgun for other hunts as well (unless it is rifled)?

I would really like to hear your feedback :)

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Some WMUs are shotgun only. Some municipalities limit CF rifle to .270 or less. Some guys own a good shotgun and don't want to buy a rifle for deer hunting only. If you're hunting in the bush, 75 yards is about the longest shot you'll have anyway. Lots of varied reasons.

There are many factors for choosing slug or large calibre rifle.

Cost - It is cheaper to buy a slug barrel than a complete rifle package.
Law requirement - some WMU only allow shotgun only
Challenge - Some hunter like the challenge of using a slug gun.
Perception - Some hunter think slug has better knock down power than large calibre rifle
Deflection - Some hunter think slugs are deflected less by branches when hunting in thick bush


In my 30 years of hunting, I encountered all of the above hunting type.

GW11 hit the nail on the head.
Regulations preventing the use of a rifle.
Which really make no sense when you can take a 270 out varmit hunting but can't use it for deer.

HA

Something to think about, in the WMU's in southern on. that have deer hunts, also in the Controlled Deer Hunt WMU's , there is no restriction on the use of "Muzzle Loaders ". Some muzzle loaders [traditional ] are in calibers up to .75 [ A VERY LARGE BALL] others in the "Smokeless "designation are available in .50 cal. and are extremely accurate out to 200 yards plus [depending on the shooters capabilities].

For example (someone correct me if I am wrong) in Cannington ON it is shotgun only for deer hunting. You cannot use a rifle. So your choice is 12 or 20 gauge, black powered or Bow.

In one of my areas, I can use my .338 WM for coyote and groundhog, but not for deer. It's a farce.

Silly legal requirements. Thats why.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

For example (someone correct me if I am wrong) in Cannington ON it is shotgun only for deer hunting. You cannot use a rifle. So your choice is 12 or 20 gauge, black powered or Bow.

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410 with slugs, 10ga to just knock them flat without a twitch.