Post by: Brushcrawler on March 31, 2016, 07:10:20 PM
Post by: northwesthunter84 on March 31, 2016, 07:29:05 PM
Post by: Bob33 on March 31, 2016, 08:11:12 PM
I've attached a photo of a group I shot with Remington Accutips at 150 yards.
Post by: fishnfur on March 31, 2016, 09:55:02 PM
I chose the 220 because the ballistics of the 20 gauge are almost identical to the 12 gauge. I personally don't really love a gun that beats the crap out of my shoulder, and sometimes I'll flinch a bit with a 30-06 or a 12 gauge shotgun, so the 220 made perfect sense, and it is super accurate according to all reports.
I believe the Accutrigger on the savage is the same setup they use on their rimfire rifles, and is adjustable to suit personal taste (I may be wrong on this last point). That improves overall accuracy of the gun over a standard shotgun trigger that requires more pull to discharge the gun. These reasons above were based only on readings, not on live firing a weapon, so we'll see see if they're true when the time comes.
Guns are not one of the things that I play with for fun. For me, they are just a tool. I got this beautiful shotgun with a Nikon scope in February and put it away until I have the time to go out and give it a test run and get it zeroed. That may be June or July - I almost forgot that I got it.
Post by: Bob33 on March 31, 2016, 10:06:59 PM
Post by: fishnfur on March 31, 2016, 10:36:05 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on March 31, 2016, 10:37:29 PM
Hit 2 of 3 over 100yds, 3rd was at 65yds. We were shooting Remington Accutips.
Groupings at the 100yd range were OK, but it was dead on for hunting.
Like Bob33 said. 20ga is plenty for deer.
Post by: bobcat on March 31, 2016, 11:13:25 PM
Post by: Brushcrawler on April 01, 2016, 12:09:45 PM
Post by: JDHasty on April 01, 2016, 12:24:26 PM
I was just playing one day at the range and a guy w/a Browning bolt action slug gun asked me just how accurate a Deerslayer is and then wanted to bet (my buddy said: Don't do it!!) - so I shot three Hastings Laser Accurates because they cut such a clean hole in paper @ 50 yards.
Ithaca's have a great trigger and are stinking accurate. FWIW, every time I see the guy I ask him for my hundred bucks, his Browning shot about as well as my rifled DS barrel take-down barrel w/cantilever scope mount. My rifled DS barrel is just slightly less accurate and my smooth DS barrel will shoot ~ 1/2 inch at 50 w/ammo it likes and a squeaky clean barrel.
Lightfield Hybrid Elite shoots just as accurate and kill better. The Hastings is a harder bullet. I will try to find a comparison.
Post by: JDHasty on April 01, 2016, 12:49:55 PM
Post by: fishnfur on April 01, 2016, 01:26:40 PM
I will never be that accurate with a gun/rifle - it goes hand in hand with not loving to shoot guns that much.
I didn't mention the more expensive notable guns because the OP mentioned the buzz kill word "budget". I love the look of those Deerslayers. A nice DSIII can be had for somewhere around $1700. I assume that is outside the "budget".
Post by: JDHasty on April 03, 2016, 05:35:47 PM
They are on at 100 yards, but it is easy to shoot out to 150 w/them.
To get this accuracy, I just lay them across a rest and don't hold the foreend at all w/my left hand. I would strongly encourage you not to do this. I have two friends who have been severely cut by my guns and I don't know anyone else who shoots them this way. It is the way to get them to shoot like this though.
I will post on how to really get the barrels clean in a day or two - I just got in from a three-day marathon power run w/my seven year-old daughter that included taking our RV to Eburg and dropping it off, then Winged Sprint Cars in Yakima on Friday night until midnight, getting into Goldendale at noon after a full morning around Yakima, then Goldendale Observatory from ~ 14:00 until past mid-night Saturday, Stonehenge and Maryhill Museum Sunday morning and a stop at Spiffys and then Cabela's on the way back to Tacoma.
Post by: JDHasty on April 03, 2016, 06:12:33 PM
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=550161875
Post by: fishnfur on April 03, 2016, 09:23:51 PM
Even the M-87 DSIIs that have been abused generally start around $450 - $500. Many of the gun/pawn shops that sell on that site know that they can get some sucker to pay a bit more money, so they start the auction at a higher price or set a higher reserve. Private sellers set more realistic reserves, or start the auction at $0, and let the economics of supply and demand determine the final price. These ones always sell, and often for more than you might think they are worth. The 20 gauge models with rifled barrels don't come up very often, and if it is listed as a "buy it now", it may go quick. The story is the same for the Savage 220s. The Remingtons seem to be just a bit easier to find a decent deal on, perhaps because of the
huge volume of these guns in circulation in the mid-west.
Sadly, once you factor in the FFL costs, shipping costs, and WA state taxes, it get's hard to save a hundred bucks over buying one locally (which in the case of a used DSII, can be almost impossible to find - maybe the gun shows are the place to search (not my idea of fun, so I have no idea)).
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 05:10:20 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 04, 2016, 06:49:24 AM
Not sure you can get mossbergs new now? Been a couple years.
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 08:27:00 AM
We got the mossberg camo ata 12 gauge comes with rifled and regular barrels for about $400. Tack driver out to 200 yards. Very happy with em. Any slug gun is very sensitive to brand of ammo - we tried 3 before we found one they liked. Winchester sabot xps
Not sure you can get mossbergs new now? Been a couple years.
My experience is that some slug guns are ammo sensitive. Mine are pretty darn accurate w/most any and outstandingly accurate w/those they like. I have a couple solid frame DSII, and a smooth 24 inch take-down DS barrel that I have a cantelever scope mount that I got from Brownells silver soldered to, and a rifled 20 " takedown DS barrel w/open sights that I use in an Ultra Featherweight and only shoot the reduced recoil Lightfield Hybrid Elite out of that one.
This is what causes a lot of "ammo sensitivity:"
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 08:40:25 AM
Here is how you do that: get a steel one piece Kleen Bore or similar rod and a big aluminum jag and it should fit so tight that you need to put the handle on the ground and use both hands to push the barrel down over it. Soak the barrel with Shooters Choice, Kroil or whatever and then shove the patched jag through. If it takes two or three patches to get it so it is really tight, then do that. Then get an ALL COPPER Chore Boy (and I mean all copper, some of them are now copper plated steel wool. Take a magnet with you to buy them) and tear off a hunk and shove that through the same way. The lead will come out in flakes on the patches and more will come out with the Chore Boy and you can see it.
Repeat this a few times and your barrel will then be clean and then I have never had any accuracy issues with slug guns. Me, I like Ithaca's and I do get better accuracy than what others around here have using other brands of slug gun, but after cleaning the barrel the way I said their slug guns shoot entirely acceptable groups.
Then keep it clean and don't allow the lead and plastic to build up.
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 08:50:33 AM
I got into slug hunters like these when I was living back east, the bolt action fully rifled slug guns are a lot of fun. Look into the website "Tar Hunt Rifles" they are about as good at building bench rest quality slug guns as you can find and their shooting tips are as close to gospel as I have ever read.
I currently own a Browning A-Bolt Slugger 12 Ga and a Mossberg 635 in 12 Ga. With lightfield commander 3 inch slugs they are exceptionally accurate. The Mossberg is a heck of a deal for the money. It is a fully rifled and ported 3' Magnum bolt action with two in the magazine one in the chamber. The picanny rail is ideal for mounting any optic you like. You can find them on GB for 250-350 dollars with a little surfing.
That is good advice. Tar Hunt's methodology for bench shooting has much to be recommended over my methodology at least until you are really getting your shoulder into the stock or shooting off a bench (like mine) that adjust to such height that you can stand and shoot from it. Shooting one of these 12 ga slug guns off a bench when you are sitting and not really able to rock back with the recoil and not holding onto the fore end when shooting 3" slugs can cause you to be seriously injured. I do shoot these guns from a bench sitting down and I do not grip the fore end at all, it just lays on my front rest bag, but again I really, really must caution against this practice. These guns have more free recoil than most all African game rifles.
If you doubt me, here's your free recoil calculator: http://handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
Post by: finnman on April 04, 2016, 10:47:01 AM
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 11:05:33 AM
This has been a great read! I am in the market for a slug gun, I anticipate my wife will be drawing her Umatilla Wildlife refuge tag this year in Oregon, I borrowed a friends old bolt slug gun in 2011 when I drew this tag, lets say it was a nightmare. So I am looking at buying a brand new one. The 20 ga. does have me asking questions about why go with a 12?
A lot more available on the used market. Seriously, I have never used a 20 ga slug gun, but hear that they are just fine for deer. I do use the reduced recoil lightfields in my aluminum frame Ultra Featherweight and they work just fine. Actually the regular 2-3/4 works better than the 3" out to about a hundred yards. The reduced recoil are pretty easy on the shoulder, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with them if they can shoot a 243
Post by: Bob33 on April 04, 2016, 11:10:41 AM
This has been a great read! I am in the market for a slug gun, I anticipate my wife will be drawing her Umatilla Wildlife refuge tag this year in Oregon, I borrowed a friends old bolt slug gun in 2011 when I drew this tag, lets say it was a nightmare. So I am looking at buying a brand new one. The 20 ga. does have me asking questions about why go with a 12?A 12 has more energy, and is the minimum legal caliber for elk. Other than that, the 20 is fine.
Remember that it is far easier to download a 12 gauge, than it is to upload a 20 gauge. I use these in 12 gauge for deer: http://www.hornady.com/store/12-GA-Custom-Lite-Slug/
Post by: JimmyHoffa on April 04, 2016, 11:20:15 AM
I'm normally up for shooting ridiculously punishing guns, but man oh man--put a 1 oz slug in a scoped slug gun and shot it prone....not doing that again! Don't know what got it worse....my shoulder or my nose. I keep the 1 oz for the pump now.I got into slug hunters like these when I was living back east, the bolt action fully rifled slug guns are a lot of fun. Look into the website "Tar Hunt Rifles" they are about as good at building bench rest quality slug guns as you can find and their shooting tips are as close to gospel as I have ever read.
I currently own a Browning A-Bolt Slugger 12 Ga and a Mossberg 635 in 12 Ga. With lightfield commander 3 inch slugs they are exceptionally accurate. The Mossberg is a heck of a deal for the money. It is a fully rifled and ported 3' Magnum bolt action with two in the magazine one in the chamber. The picanny rail is ideal for mounting any optic you like. You can find them on GB for 250-350 dollars with a little surfing.
That is good advice. Tar Hunt's methodology for bench shooting has much to be recommended over my methodology at least until you are really getting your shoulder into the stock or shooting off a bench (like mine) that adjust to such height that you can stand and shoot from it. Shooting one of these 12 ga slug guns off a bench when you are sitting and not really able to rock back with the recoil and not holding onto the fore end when shooting 3" slugs can cause you to be seriously injured. I do shoot these guns from a bench sitting down and I do not grip the fore end at all, it just lays on my front rest bag, but again I really, really must caution against this practice. These guns have more free recoil than most all African game rifles.
If you doubt me, here's your free recoil calculator: http://handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
Post by: JDHasty on April 04, 2016, 11:24:04 AM
This has been a great read! I am in the market for a slug gun, I anticipate my wife will be drawing her Umatilla Wildlife refuge tag this year in Oregon, I borrowed a friends old bolt slug gun in 2011 when I drew this tag, lets say it was a nightmare. So I am looking at buying a brand new one. The 20 ga. does have me asking questions about why go with a 12?
If I ever do stumble across a 20 ga DSII for a good price I will have it, that much I can promise you. I prefer to shoot an Ithaca Mod 37 20 Ga bird gun whenever I can get away with it and the thought of having a little 20 DSII is quite alluring to me.
Post by: Widgeondeke on April 04, 2016, 11:33:51 AM
This has been a great read! I am in the market for a slug gun, I anticipate my wife will be drawing her Umatilla Wildlife refuge tag this year in Oregon, I borrowed a friends old bolt slug gun in 2011 when I drew this tag, lets say it was a nightmare. So I am looking at buying a brand new one. The 20 ga. does have me asking questions about why go with a 12?A 12 has more energy, and is the minimum legal caliber for elk. Other than that, the 20 is fine.
Remember that it is far easier to download a 12 gauge, than it is to upload a 20 gauge. I use these in 12 gauge for deer: http://www.hornady.com/store/12-GA-Custom-Lite-Slug/
not arguing with ya Bob33. just stating frustration: It is legal to use a .243 rifle, bow & arrow, muzzleloader and a .25 handgun(if barrel is 4"), but a 20ga slug isn't adequate by the law :bash:
All 4 hits on our deer were complete pass thru: 1 liver/gut(kids first ever shot on a deer and it was at 112yds), 1 heart and 2 lung. Blew right thru the ribs on both sides.
Post by: fishnfur on April 04, 2016, 09:19:34 PM
I'm normally up for shooting ridiculously punishing guns, but man oh man--put a 1 oz slug in a scoped slug gun and shot it prone....not doing that again! Don't know what got it worse....my shoulder or my nose. I keep the 1 oz for the pump now.I got into slug hunters like these when I was living back east, the bolt action fully rifled slug guns are a lot of fun. Look into the website "Tar Hunt Rifles" they are about as good at building bench rest quality slug guns as you can find and their shooting tips are as close to gospel as I have ever read.
I currently own a Browning A-Bolt Slugger 12 Ga and a Mossberg 635 in 12 Ga. With lightfield commander 3 inch slugs they are exceptionally accurate. The Mossberg is a heck of a deal for the money. It is a fully rifled and ported 3' Magnum bolt action with two in the magazine one in the chamber. The picanny rail is ideal for mounting any optic you like. You can find them on GB for 250-350 dollars with a little surfing.
That is good advice. Tar Hunt's methodology for bench shooting has much to be recommended over my methodology at least until you are really getting your shoulder into the stock or shooting off a bench (like mine) that adjust to such height that you can stand and shoot from it. Shooting one of these 12 ga slug guns off a bench when you are sitting and not really able to rock back with the recoil and not holding onto the fore end when shooting 3" slugs can cause you to be seriously injured. I do shoot these guns from a bench sitting down and I do not grip the fore end at all, it just lays on my front rest bag, but again I really, really must caution against this practice. These guns have more free recoil than most all African game rifles.
If you doubt me, here's your free recoil calculator: http://handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
:chuckle: :chuckle: I feel your pain JimmyHoffa - I think I have a few permanent scope eye scars myself. Lying prone with a big hitter is no fun for the shoulder at all.
Re: Mossberg - there are many pros and cons to this choice. Great price and multi-function, just so- so reviews. I finally dropped it off my list because there are a significant number of dissatisfied owners. Some love 'em, some hate 'em. I kind of liked the option of having interchangeable barrels, one for field, one rifled for deer, but most serious deer hunters needling a slug gun lean towards a dedicated deer slug gun w/o an option to change barrels for other purposes. I took their word on this one. I have a side by side 16 gauge already so that covers anything else I may want to do with a smaller shotgun.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php and https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php are a couple of the best priced shops I found for slug guns.
Post by: Maverick on April 05, 2016, 12:53:05 AM
Post by: JDHasty on April 05, 2016, 02:10:57 AM
What kind of scopes are you guys mounting on your shotguns? Are the rifled screw in chokes enough or do you need a full rifled barrel?
I use a couple TR1 Nitrex that I think are 1.5-6 power and love them. My buddy has a Leupold 1-4 slug gun scope and has had to send it in for repair once, but I think he likes it fine. It has too thick crosshairs for me though. I have never used the rifled tubes, but my smooth bores are good for a hundred yards and then somewhere after that accuracy falls apart using Foster or Brenneke slugs. The Lightfields & Hastings (now marketed as Rotweil) will go two hundred out of the rifled guns, but look like they were shot out of a slingshot if you are watching them come in to the target at 200 through a spotting scope.
Post by: JDHasty on April 05, 2016, 09:32:38 AM
I'm normally up for shooting ridiculously punishing guns, but man oh man--put a 1 oz slug in a scoped slug gun and shot it prone....not doing that again! Don't know what got it worse....my shoulder or my nose. I keep the 1 oz for the pump now.I got into slug hunters like these when I was living back east, the bolt action fully rifled slug guns are a lot of fun. Look into the website "Tar Hunt Rifles" they are about as good at building bench rest quality slug guns as you can find and their shooting tips are as close to gospel as I have ever read.
I currently own a Browning A-Bolt Slugger 12 Ga and a Mossberg 635 in 12 Ga. With lightfield commander 3 inch slugs they are exceptionally accurate. The Mossberg is a heck of a deal for the money. It is a fully rifled and ported 3' Magnum bolt action with two in the magazine one in the chamber. The picanny rail is ideal for mounting any optic you like. You can find them on GB for 250-350 dollars with a little surfing.
That is good advice. Tar Hunt's methodology for bench shooting has much to be recommended over my methodology at least until you are really getting your shoulder into the stock or shooting off a bench (like mine) that adjust to such height that you can stand and shoot from it. Shooting one of these 12 ga slug guns off a bench when you are sitting and not really able to rock back with the recoil and not holding onto the fore end when shooting 3" slugs can cause you to be seriously injured. I do shoot these guns from a bench sitting down and I do not grip the fore end at all, it just lays on my front rest bag, but again I really, really must caution against this practice. These guns have more free recoil than most all African game rifles.
If you doubt me, here's your free recoil calculator: http://handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
:chuckle: :chuckle: I feel your pain JimmyHoffa - I think I have a few permanent scope eye scars myself. Lying prone with a big hitter is no fun for the shoulder at all.
Re: Mossberg - there are many pros and cons to this choice. Great price and multi-function, just so- so reviews. I finally dropped it off my list because there are a significant number of dissatisfied owners. Some love 'em, some hate 'em. I kind of liked the option of having interchangeable barrels, one for field, one rifled for deer, but most serious deer hunters needling a slug gun lean towards a dedicated deer slug gun w/o an option to change barrels for other purposes. I took their word on this one. I have a side by side 16 gauge already so that covers anything else I may want to do with a smaller shotgun.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php and https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php are a couple of the best priced shops I found for slug guns.
No argument on the pain associated with shooting big recoil off the bench, its not for everyone. I"m not sure it for me anymore, I'd like to think that I'm getting smarter as I get older.
I've always used Trijicon accupoint scopes on my slug guns as well as most other rifles. I am a confirmed scope snob. The lower power 1-6 30mm on my Mossberg is great and I use a 3-9 variable 50mm on the Browning. I like the standard crosshair with the illuminated reticle, but I think the illuminated chevron on the post might be a good choice for a slugger. One thing I am sure about with Trijicon is they are essentially fail safe. I do recommend that you use a extra ring if possible, like a lot of the long range shooter configurations. I don't think you can really overstate the recoil imparted on your scope from these guns.
I agree with the comments about Mossberg 635s, they have mixed reviews online. Seems like people either hate them or love them with very little in between. A lot of the faults are found with the odd cut of the stock. My opinion is that is purely esthetic and not really a factor. I purchased my first slugger back in 1997 or 1998 so there wasn't much written about them at the time. Browning, Mossberg, and Savage all came out with a fully rifled, bolt actioned slug gun that year. The Mossberg was my choice because of the composite stock and a really good safety. The wife treated me to the Browning the next year. One of the rarest of the rare, a left handed version. Don't bother shopping for one, you wont find it. I have since sent the Browning off to Hill Country and they really turned it into a nail driver. I requested that they not do load development, instead they tested a ton of commercially available slugs for accuracy and speed. Three brands were their final recommendation, the number 1 Lightfield commander, number 2 the 3in Remington Accutip, more accurate than the Remington but not as commercially available here was the magnum length Savestery (sic).
I won't get into group size or ranges here since that is just fodder for endless opinions, but suffice it to say that I am confident enough to hit any target I choose to shoot at.
A couple of good rules to go by. If shooting sabot slugs then use the fully rifled barrel. If you are shooting Brennekes or other ball slugs a smooth bore is fine. Go through your slug rifle and locktite all screws and fittings and if possible bed the lug. Tighten things up as much as possible. Most of these guns to include the Browning do not have great triggers. Put a little work into smoothing and cleaning up the trigger and you will be amazed at the impact it has on your shooting. Even the plastic componenets of the mossberg 635 trigger group slicked up nicely with a little polishing and deburring.
One thing I would have added is that a Lightfield Commander is a slug that is specifically designed for deep penetration on larger animals. e.g. it's terminal ballistic performance is much like the Hastings in the photo above. That may or not be what you would prefer, depending on your circumstance you may choose to give up a bit of accuracy to gain in having a better chance of not having to track a deer size animal. Basically, in my experience these harder slugs go right through deer without knocking them down unless you get a shoulder on the way in or out. The Hybrid Elite on the other hand is a much softer bullet that is constructed differently and will open up on deer and this gives you much better knock down from energy transfer and that can be important in rainy Western Washington where even with whole lotta bleeding going on.... you don't want to have to track a deer far.
Lightfields and Commanders "zip" deer and then the race is on if it is raining. Yes they will bleed out with a 3/4 inch hole through the lungs, but in the time that takes they can cover a lot of ground and the ground they cover can be pretty woolley.
Post by: Tjv28 on April 09, 2016, 08:09:58 PM
12 gauge minimum for elk in Washington state. 20 gauge okay for deer though. Just a heads up!
Post by: Brushcrawler on June 18, 2016, 08:11:06 AM
I ended up buying an Ithaca Deerslayer III in 12 gauge. Figured I would spend a bit more for something reliable that would last a while and allow me to chase elk at some point. Mounted a Nikon 3-9x40 on it and got to the range for the first time today. The picture below is the very first three Remington 3" Accutips out of the gun at 50 yards.
I have never shot from a real bench before, so I was pretty impressed that they were all touching. Adjusted the scope slowly and after four boxes I was pleased to have three shots touching at 100 yards within 1" of dead center. The recoil didn't seem like a big deal, despite some concerns about the 12 gauge and big slugs.
Probably enough bench shooting for me; now a couple months of real practice and I will be woods-ready for the fall. I drew a second tag for the unit I am hunting, so am pretty happy all around!
Post by: Bob33 on June 18, 2016, 08:26:35 AM
Post by: JDHasty on June 18, 2016, 08:48:09 AM
Well, it has taken a while, but I wanted to follow up on my original post, since everyone offered up such helpful advice and ideas.
I ended up buying an Ithaca Deerslayer III in 12 gauge. Figured I would spend a bit more for something reliable that would last a while and allow me to chase elk at some point. Mounted a Nikon 3-9x40 on it and got to the range for the first time today. The picture below is the very first three Remington 3" Accutips out of the gun at 50 yards.
I have never shot from a real bench before, so I was pretty impressed that they were all touching. Adjusted the scope slowly and after four boxes I was pleased to have three shots touching at 100 yards within 1" of dead center. The recoil didn't seem like a big deal, despite some concerns about the 12 gauge and big slugs.
Probably enough bench shooting for me; now a couple months of real practice and I will be woods-ready for the fall. I drew a second tag for the unit I am hunting, so am pretty happy all around!
You made the best choice.
The Ithaca's are the genuine article. Nothing else except the bolt guns will stay with them and precious few of them will. I have never seen a bolt gun that would out shoot a DS II or DS III. The DSII are just as accurate in my experience as the DS III, but they are quite light and they will beat you up.
I have posted how to clean slug gun barrels upstream on this thread. W a DS III you have to clean from the muzzle and if you don't keep the plastic &/or lead out accuracy will go to pot all of a sudden.
Post by: bobcat on June 18, 2016, 09:08:33 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on June 18, 2016, 09:28:28 AM
Post by: fishnfur on June 18, 2016, 02:54:18 PM
Post by: JDHasty on June 18, 2016, 04:57:53 PM
Both of those are great guns. I couldn't justify spending the money - four kid to college trumps nice gun for me.
I think I got my favorite Ithaca DS II for $325. You won't touch a DS III for near that, but a DS II will really shoot too.
Post by: fishnfur on June 18, 2016, 09:20:55 PM
I think the OP made a great choice. Can't wait to see how it works out for him.
Post by: Bob33 on June 18, 2016, 09:37:13 PM
That's a great price for a DSII. Normally they're around $500 or more. I figured if I was going to spring for a new shotgun, I might as well go rifled bore for better accuracy, which is a real consideration when I shoot. Hence the savage 220, which is in the same price range but much easier to find in good condition for the same price.In 12 gauge, Savage came out with the 212 a few years back. If I were considering the purchase of a dedicated 12 gauge slug shotgun it would be high on my list.
I think the OP made a great choice. Can't wait to see how it works out for him.
https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2012/8/16/savage-212/ (https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2012/8/16/savage-212/)
Post by: msg on June 30, 2016, 02:34:02 PM
Post by: JDHasty on June 30, 2016, 02:43:17 PM
I have two of the Savage 212's One with the box magazine and one with the detachable clip. Both are scope mounted for hunting modern season in firearm restricted units. Both hunting partners also have them. For the money they are hard to beat. We have killed a bunch of elk with them with a couple out to 200 yards. I personally have not killed one or shot at one over 35 or 40 yards. Devastating results with not much meat loss. I prefer the Ninja Warfare type of hunting over watching clearcuts. My son killed a nice Blacktail at 230 yards, one shot. Nice hole with no meat loss. The slug was hung up in the hide on the way out. That was with a 1oz. Remington Copper Solid. Then upgraded to the 375 grain Cor-Lokt Ultra. More speed and energy. Of course Remington quit making them. Incredible blow through holes with those slugs. Still nowhere near modern rifle bloodshot and meat loss. They do kick like a mule shooting at paper but don't notice it on game. Probably because all of my shots I have been standing. I believe the 300 grain Winchester XPT or XPS I can't remember. They kicked harder then the Remington slugs, I was warned by the salesman in Nampa Idaho about them. Have not used them hunting but I am sure they would work well. I would love to have a Deerslayer 3, They are absolutely beautiful guns
No meat loss unless you shoot an animal @ point blank range. I got caught up w/a decent blacktail buck right under my stand late on on the last day of the season and he was going around the tree and had me all twisted into a pretzel so I decided to bust him straight down on top of the hip and break him down w/a 3" Lightfield Hybrid Elite. There wasn't any bloodshot meat, it was just gone. Like it evaporated or something.
Post by: msg on June 30, 2016, 04:32:05 PM
Post by: konradcountry on June 30, 2016, 05:51:53 PM
I wouldn't buy an Italian shotgun. I used to have a Benelli but I wish I had saved money and bought a Mossberg or 870 instead. The aftermarket parts are cheaper and easier to find for the big brands. A rifled barrel for my Benelli was the same price as a Mossberg 500 with a rifled barrel. An Elk isn't going to be able to tell the difference between the brands.
I like the Mossbergs for the safety on top design. I also think they are better for using with gloves. I use tru-glo sights and shoot slugs. I like the quick view and no-fog of iron sites. If I wanted to sight out to 200 yards I would use a rifle.
Don't rule out the semi-auto. The semi-auto action helps absorb the kick a bit. But a 12 is going to kick no matter what.
As for 12/20 I would get a 12 if you are on a budget. It's much easier to find 12 gauge ammo on sale. But starting with a 20 and then getting a 12 later is probably the way to go if you are new to shotguns.
Post by: Dirty Mike on June 30, 2016, 07:02:18 PM
Post by: snake on June 30, 2016, 08:41:43 PM
Post by: Bob33 on June 30, 2016, 08:47:02 PM
Just curious, why not a front stuffer? Great accuracy out to 200 yards, legal to put a scope on it if used during modern seasonI've pondered that. A shotgun can reload quickly and ammunition is immune to weather, but if that were all I had I'd use one.
Post by: coachcw on June 30, 2016, 09:29:21 PM
Post by: northwesthunter84 on June 30, 2016, 09:46:25 PM
Post by: JDHasty on July 01, 2016, 02:48:09 AM