Shotguns - deer hunting?

[wafisherman]

What is the typical setup for a shotgun that is setup for deer hunting that can be used in restrictive zones?  I thought you could just get some slugs and use my 12 or 20 guage, but now realizing there is more to it.

Do I need a specialized gun?  Rifled barrel?  Certain choke?

Also, figure I'd want some sort of optic on it since the single and even double beads probably isn't as accurate as I'd want.  How do you approach this?

I may just end up using my bow if I hunt those spots, but want to understand this in case my boys have the chance during modern firearm to hunt one of those retriction areas.

Thanks!

[h20hunter]

Widgeondeke this year knocked down a button buck and his son whacked his first deer....a nice little doe (that he gave me some steaks from) with my H&R 20g.....

Plenty of combos that could get it done...smooth bore with 00 and irons or a scoped single shot like mine and plenty in between.

[carlyoungs]

I use an old sears 12 g with 2 3/4 1ounce slugs. It has a single bead and I have got 4 deer with it. I have no idea what choke is in it but it shoots straight and I haven't had any problems.

[h20hunter]

Didn't Ripper take his hog blackie this year with a shotty? I believe this years and last years as well. A 12 as far as I know.

[WoodlandShooter]

all I have is a Rem 870 with the sighted smooth bore slug barrel.

Took a 5x5 three years ago with it...

[Bmcox86]

Any smooth bore will work. Where I grew up was a shotgun only county. I killed deer out to 150 yards with a Winchester 1200 and some brenanke slugs. Never ever had a deer move more than a step from where I shot it.

[wildweeds]

If a guy was super serious about it Savage makes a bolt gun in 20 guage with a rifled barrell based off(model is 220 slug gun) the 110 series rifle.Top er off with a shotgun scope and your in buisness,I read some reviews of 3/4 inch groups at 100 and 2 inch groups at 200.My buddy is getting one for his west of I-5 blackie whackin.

[coachcw]

I have taken a ton of deer with a mossburg 500 with 00 buck shot . I also have used a slugger barrel with sabots Highly effective ! 

[pd]

WaFisherman, don't overthink this. Any smooth bore with a Remington Slugger will work. More than 50 yards? Go with 12 gauge. Less than that 20 gauge. Most guys I know tag out every year with this method.

[PolarBear]

Got a half dozen bucks with a 50 year old Steven's 12 gauge side by side with 00.

[bowhunterwa87]

Rem 870 12ga with 00 buck.  got me my biggest bt to date

[wafisherman]

Thanks guys!  Hard trying to get into this stuff after the age of 40... But you guys are a great help and I really appreciate it!

[Bmcox86]

I don't reccomend a scope though. Not needed. You can do good on busted deer with just a bead when their running through cover.

[RadSav]

If a guy was super serious about it Savage makes a bolt gun in 20 guage with a rifled barrell based off(model is 220 slug gun) the 110 series rifle.Top er off with a shotgun scope and your in buisness,I read some reviews of 3/4 inch groups at 100 and 2 inch groups at 200.My buddy is getting one for his west of I-5 blackie whackin.

I've been thinking about getting one of these!  I'd love to hear from your buddy after he hits the range.

[Bob33]

A 12 can be used for elk, should that ever be an option.

Rifled barrels and good sights are the way to go  if you are making a purchase..