Slug Shotgun vs. Large Calibre Rifle

[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

[GW11]

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.

[werner.reiche]

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

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.

[lanarkhunter]

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.

[huntaway]

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

[jaycee]

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].

[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.

[blargon]

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

[blasted_saber]

Silly legal requirements. Thats why.

[Fox]

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.

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