Best shotgun characteristic for bird and deer?

[Orion8472]

A co-worker asked about her husband wanting to get a shotgun for both bird and deer. I'm not a hunter, and definitely not when it comes to using a shotgun for deer.

The bird hunting is easy. Shotgun 101, really. However, what is the best way to use a shotgun for deer? In my limited knowledge, I basically told her . . . "Remington 870 that has two barrels [one smooth, one rifled]". I have seen where a second rifled barrel will have a rail attachment on it for a scope, and assume that would be the best to use on deer, using sabots?

They have "deer slugs", I know, . . . which I believe are used in smooth bores, but am not sure if you would still want a scope, or just a good set of front and back irons.

Any knowledgeable replies would be appreciated.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I would not want a smoothbore for slugs. They do make rifled slugs for smoothbore barrels but the rifled barrels and saboted slugs are the cats meow. 150-200 yd shots are very doable with todays equipment and loads. That being said, I would definitely want a scope for shots that long.

 

[Orion8472]

Good word, Paul.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

http://www.mossberg.com/product/shotguns-pump-action-500-combo/54243

Give her this link. It's a great, reliable gun and you get it with both barrels for less than $500. It has the integral scope mounting system too. Good deal for the money IMO.

 

[Orion8472]

Thanks Paul. That looks to be a great choice for him.

 

[huntsman]

A co-worker asked about her husband wanting to get a shotgun for both bird and deer.

IF he is only going to hunt birds a couple of times a year or they have limited means then a muti-barrel pump is the way to go BUT if he wants to really get into it then an o/u for birds and clays and a dedicated slug gun is the way to go.

 

[Deer_Freak]

A shotgun with 2 barrels solves that problem. Mossberg makes a 500 combo.

There is nothing wrong with a pump for shooting birds or sporting clays. Yes, two chokes does help a bit but the third shell is mighty handy as well. I shoot sporting clays with a 28 ga citori and a 500C. I do shoot better scores on a 100 shot course with the double barrel due to my health. the 28 ga is kind during a test of endurance. But just shooting skeet or trap there is no difference.

 

[rcmodel]

What part of the world is the deer hunting going to take place??

Hunting whitetails out of a tree stand in eastern Kansas at 20 yards?
A smoothbore bird gun barrel, Forster slugs, and the bead front sight is all you need.

Hunting Mulies in Western Kansas at 200 yards?
The rifled barrel, Sabot slugs, and a scope would be a necessity.

rc

 

[RSVP2RIP]

Hunting whitetails out of a tree stand in eastern Kansas at 20 yards?
A smoothbore bird gun barrel, Forster slugs, and the bead front sight is all you need.

I don't see any disadvantage to getting a rifled barrel for shots at 20 yards. But all things considered, while a smooth bore is all thats needed, he might not want to hunt in the same spot for the rest of his life. Also, a rifled tube can and will shoot foster/brenneke slugs just fine, but a smoothie will not shoot sabots well enough to hit the broad side of a barn from the inside.

 

[jmr40]

I assume this is for a shotgun only area. If so then I have nothing to add. Good advice above. But if in an area where rifles are allowed I'd skip the slug barrel altogether and add a rifle.

 

[Uniquedot]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 with appropriate accessory barrels. One can choose between the quality of the Wingmaster or the economy of the Mossberg for example.

 

[Virginian]

I have a different take. Deer are easy, but the gun better fit right to kill birds. A good bird gun needs to come up naturally, and shoot were you are looking. When shooting like a rifle you have time to adjust and aim. A Mossberg or a Remington is made to fit a majority of people reasonably well. If he is far from average either way he may have an issue and need a gun with stock fit adjustment capabilities. They say average is approximately 5'-10". I'm 6'-1" (used to be 2" !) and can shoot either with no issues. Just food for thought.

 

[Uniquedot]

A Mossberg or a Remington is made to fit a majority of people reasonably well.

Either of the above can be fit to the shooter and Mossberg has made it easier with their flex system.