Ranger 1300 Deer Slug Ammo

[Renegade59]

Please pardon my ignorance, as I am relatively new to shot-gunning; although I am ex-military and used a 12 gauge loaded with 00 buck during some of my duty. I recently acquired a Winchester 1300 Ranger with "Deer Slug" imprinted on the barrel. It does have a smooth bore. I know I should use rifled slugs when using slugs. What I am not sure of is whether or not I can use shells loaded with anything other than slugs, (ie bird shot, 00 buck) without damaging the barrel. Thanks!

 

[nelson133]

It will work fine with buckshot, buckshot doesn't work well in a rifled barrel because the spin imparted by the rifling causes large and irregular, think donut shaped, patterns. If you want to shoot slugs as accurately as possible, and it is legal in your state, there are rifled barrels available for that gun. Check with your state game division to find out what is legal.

 

[Al Thompson]

If it's not rifled, your fine, you can use anything as long as it meets the chamber length (2 3/4 or 3 inch). If it is rifled, use sabot slugs. I use a 870 with the smoothbore slug barrel for most everything except birds.

BTW, welcome aboard!

 

[Renegade59]

Thanks for you quick response. I kinda figured I could use buckshot, just wanted some assurance. I had bought it as an addition to my HD options and then my boys bought me a case of clay targets, so thought I would double check.