A smooth bore slug gun to supplement my Nova

[Jason_W]

Skip to the last paragraph if you don't need the long winded back story

I'm largely unimpressed with a rifle I recently purchased, so I'm going to sell it and put the money toward another 12-gauge.

My current go-to 12-gauge is a Benelli Nova tactical with ghost ring sights. I really like it for everything from casual blasting at the range to close range deer and small game hunting. The woods are pretty thick in Maine, so most shots on game are typically pretty close, unless you have access to a chunk of working farm land or a clearcut (which I don't).

While the Nova is unexpectedly accurate with slugs, the primary limitation is that there is no way to gracefully and inexpensively mount an optic, which will offer the advantage of light gathering in low light conditions. I absolutely detest saddle mounts and won't even consider that option.

Also, I would like the option of a short, 18.5 to 21-inch barrel that is threaded for choke tubes. I purchased a Calrson's aftermarket barrel for my Nova, but the barrel's front sight it incompatible with the ghost ring on my gun.

What I'm looking for is a short barreled shotgun (preferably a pump action) with a drilled and tapped receiver and a smoothbore barrel under 21" in length that is threaded for choke tubes.

The options I'm considering are a Benelli Supernova tactical that will wear the threaded Carlson's barrel, or an FNH P-12, which is threaded and has a cantilever optics mount. Are there any other options I should consider?

 

[dak0ta]

You can easily add an optic to your Nova tactical. Either get it drilled and tapped by a smith and put a rail on top. Easy, and you'll save money, way more than getting a Supernova. Or you can just get a Mossberg 500 for cheap.

 

[Jason_W]

I contacted some local gunsmiths and was told the Nova receiver was too thin to drill and tap.

 

[dak0ta]

There should be some hefty steel skeletal frame underneath the polymer that should work. But if they say so.

For slug guns, you can look at the Ithaca Deer Slayer models as well, super accurate. $$$$$

Still without breaking the bank, a Mossberg 500 (used) with a smooth barrel, (18.5'', 20'', or cut down 28'' with VR to 20-21''), is already drilled and tapped from factory for a rail, so just add scope and bases and you're good to go. Plus they're light guns at 7lbs.

Or get one of those 870 tac models that have a rail already, ghost ring sights, and are threaded for a breaching choke. Just swap out the choke to your desired model. The barrels are usually 18.5'' to 20'', and they have magazine extensions that can be taken off. Add optic on rail and voila!

At the range that rifled slugs can be used, you probably don't need an optic. I used the beads on my Mossberg and took deer out to 50 yards. And that's pretty much the effective range of a slug to be humane.

Hence I think you should just use your Nova Tactical and the GRS set up. If it's accurate already, with money finding a good load and practice, it's the best choice you have.

 

[Jason_W]

Maybe the gunsmith just didn't want to be bothered with a drill and tap job?

 

[dak0ta]

Another option is a mesa tactical rail or side saddle that adds rail on top. I'm sure Mesa Tactical wouldn't sell the rail alone if it couldn't be drilled and tapped onto the receiver.

http://forums.benelliusa.com/showthread.php/9725-Review-Mesa-Tactical-6-Shot-Holder-for-M4

 

[Jason_W]

If I can drill and tap my nova, that would be ideal. I could then spend the proceeds from my upcoming sale on a fully rifled slug gun.

 

[dak0ta]

For your fully rifled slug gun, get an Ithaca Deerslayer!

 

[Jason_W]

For your fully rifled slug gun, get an Ithaca Deerslayer!

I wish. That will likely be out of my price range for some time to come.

In the interim, I'll likely go with an H&R ultra slug for a fully rifled gun. I've heard a lot of good things about them.

 

[dak0ta]

Consider an 870 or 500 for a fully rifled slug gun, they weight more and won't kick you silly. Look for a cantilever barrel for better holding of zero with the scope. Plus you'll get the rapid follow up shot if need be.

 

[lemaymiami]

If I read the first post correctly he's looking for a smootbore slug gun.... I see a few now and then on Gunbroker - particularly if you look up "Wingmaster 12" as your search topic. The ones I've seen were fully setup with everything you're looking for (including optics) but would still need choke tubes if desired. If you want to research current offerings then just enter "Remington 870" - but bring a cup of coffee or an adult beverage since you'll get a ton of offerings. good luck, my preference would be an 870 always - but that's what I know about...

 

[plumberroy]

I had been on the look out for a well used wingmaster locally but gave up and sent my lefty express barrel out to be cut and rethreaded .
Remington wingmaster slug barrels used to be improve cyl.choke dont know if they still make that barrel . With rifled sights and I.C. choke this is about a good as it gets for my idea of an all purpose gun 21" barrel makes for quick handling sights for slugs some choke for close range small game
Roy

 

[Jason_W]

The Ithaca Hog slayer looks really cool, and the price seems to be doable with a little saving.

The idea is to turn the Nova into a general purpose gun for non flying game. Scoped and with the aftermarket barrel, it will make a good turkey, predator/varmint, and thick brush gun. Whatever rifled barrel gun I get will be there in case I ever need just a little more effective range.

 

[Gordon]

Funny thing is: the Benelli Nova Tactical barrel may very well be the most accurate slug barrel put on an SG with the Ithaca Deerslayer 2nd and Browning A-5 slug barrels 3rd. What I have seen and found over last 45 years with multiple examples.

 

[Jason_W]

Funny thing is: the Benelli Nova Tactical barrel may very well be the most accurate slug barrel put on an SG

I've noticed that. I've been able to print cloverleaf groups at 50 yards with some ammo. It's very possible I'll find that the best setup is to use the stock barrel for slugs and the aftermarket barrel for shot loads.

I can't really see what the Carlson's barrel can do until I get an optic on the gun.

 

[27hand]

slug gun

Not sure what your price range is or if smooth bore is an absolute.

How about looking for a police trade-in 870? Probably a couple hundred or a bit more.

Here's a guy in SW Pa. building these:

http://forum.pafoa.org/hunting-23/235154-any-interest-designated-slug-gun.html

I have an old Ithaca Deerslayer with a 20" rifled bbl. that will shoot 1 1/2" groups at 100. Love that SG

 

[Eb1]

I must be a cheapskate. I know I am. My $142.00 12 gauge Maverick 88 has had thousands of rounds shot through it. It can knock softballs off of posts at 100-125 yards with bead sights, and is a pump shotgun with synthetic black plastic for the pump, stock, trigger guard, and stock.