Shotgun Info For Bear Protection?

[alecvg]

So I have a Remington 870, and I want to use it for shooting slugs for bear protection and for brush hunting deer, Do I need a rifled barrel, or can I just use a rifled choke?  Sorry, I don't know anything about slugs with shotguns.  Thanks!

[carpsniperg2]

its far better to have a rifled barrel or you can get rifled slugs that will work.

[Huntbear]

rifled slug barrel, much better.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I really don't think bears need protection......

[cwuwildcat]

Yogi Bear might need a body guard while stealing all of those pic a nic baskets!

[AWS]

Take a look at this discusion on another site.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3725687/1/Shotgun_slugs_vs_bears

AWS

[Mookie]

I was using rifled slugs in my 20 ga and they were surprisingly accurate, about 1.5 at 50. Since you are looking for protection and not hunting the long range accuracy is probably not to necessary. I staggered mine with 00 and slugs.

[Shootmoore]

Alot of people say you need a rifled barrel for slugs.  If I am using slugs for deer I would say yes.  If you are using the shotgun mostly for bear protection I would say go with an 18 smoothbore.  The smoothbore will be more about what slug you use.

I have shot many 18" smoothbore's.  I shoot the Fedral classic 2 3/4 slugs.  With a 18" smoothbore using nothing more than the stock bead site you can clover leaf 5 shot groups at 50 yds.  You can keep them in a 6" circle at a 100 yds.  For a woods carry gun I prefer the 18" smoothbore, its more compact for easier carry, and in a pinch I can load bird shot for grouse if needed.

One thing you will find is not all slugs are created equal, and in a smoothbore you will notice a difference.  Why the Fed classics are the most accurate I have no idea.  Stay away from there 3" if you go with the smoothbore, the accuracy really drops off.


I've shot the 3 gun comp in yakima with the 18" smooth with that load numerous times, longest shot is out to 50 yds.  I have shot a clean score with the buck/slug combo required numerous times and the shotgun stage is always won by a 100% score.  I also use the fed classic 00 buck, nice tight groups and usually always pattern north to south making it easier to keep those 9 pellets in the 10 zone.

Shootmoore

[dirty24d]

how much do the 18'' smoothbores cost ? I'd love to get one!

[Shootmoore]

how much do the 18'' smoothbores cost ? I'd love to get one!

Shop around, you can usually pick one up new for $100-$150.  Sometimes you can get them cheaper.  I picked up a couple one year from a gunshop that bought a block of 870's from a Police Department.  They were slapping on full length barrels to resell and I picked up the 18" barrels for $45 a piece.

Shootmoore

[dirty24d]

sweet deal thanks for the quick reply. I've only been on this site a few days and already hooked hard!!!

[alecvg]

Awesome, thanks for the info guys, I really won't be needing it for long range, so that 18" Smoothbore sounds perfect, and not to pricey either.  Thanks again!

[Mookie]

If you check around you can find good prices on used barrels. I just picked up a Mossy 24" factory turkey barrel for my 835,camo, ported and adjustable fiber optic sites, for $50.

[MikeWalking]

FWIW  I've heard from several F&W guys in WA and Alaska, If you're using shotgun for bear protection pick the smooth bore and chamber a 00 or 000 shell first, maybe have your first two shots be that, then load slugs behind them. Some say 00, slug, 00, slug,slug, 00, 00 I think that's overthinking a bit myself.

Their idea is to hit the bear in the face with buckshot in hopes of blinding it and filling it's nose with enough blood to stop it from smelling you. Which hopefully gives you time for an aimed slug shot.

Personally if I'm in a place where I need be carrying a Long Gun for bear defense it's my 1895 45-70 with hardcast 430gr +p

[carpsniperg2]

i know allot of the same but what the guys i know do is slugs first then the last 2 are #8 bird shot to blind the bear never heard of oo buck to blind the # 8 has a little more chance of finding them 2 eyes and with there eyes gone and in so much pain they are not going to be worries about smelling you lol they are going to be messed up and bleeding out from the slugs if one did not find the central nervous system