Slug Question

I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle 1. I mainly use it just to go out with friends and shoot some trap and I have gone goose hunting. I was looking at home defense rounds the other day at the store and they were all slugs. I was also thinking about deer hunting with a friend, but wasn't sure if I can shoot a slug with this barrel. I have a choke tube in the end...

It's always better to ask then shoot, so here goes.

 

Sounds like an excuse to buy another gun.

 

I agree! But that is not an option right now...so I am guessing the answer is a no?

 

I was thinking about that. I might have to do that, or as Janster said...get a new gun!

 

Yes you can shoot slugs with your barrel. I would suggest using either the modified or cylinder choke tubes (or possibly buy a rifled choke tube). You want to stick with the foster type slugs (don't use saboted slugs). Good news is these are cheaper - bad news is they don't have the accuracy or range of saboted slugs out of a fully rifled barrel. Your maximum range will vary depending on how good you are shooting slugs with a bead sight (which I am assuming your barrel has). I use to deer hunt with a smooth bore slug barrel with iron sights and had no problems taking deer inside of 75 yards.

Try a few different slugs to see which shoot well for you. As others have said, my personal preference would be to buy a slug barrel for the gun (preferably a rifled barrel).

 

Vandy, thanks for your response. I am not entirely clear on the difference between the two types. I think I know, but I would rather hear from some knowledgable on the subject.

 

I don't have any experience with slugs.....to take this for what its worth. I shoot trap and have a Beretta White Onyx.

Are you talking about using the shotgun as home defense? A home defense situation might only be ...10feet more or less - so a standard shotgun shell (buckshot) is gonna do some damage or kill. For the best impact, put a full choke in it to keep the shot together with harder impact. You really shouldn't need to buy specialized stuff just for home defense.

If you're talking about deer hunting.... I'd research rifles & scopes for that.

 

i have an old mossberg maverick(like the 500) with a modified choke and i have shot slugs thru it with no ill effects....so far anyway. they arent recommended, but you can shoot them with certain choke tubes.....as mentioned above.

 

i have always heard that as a general rule you do not want to put a slug through anything with a choke in it. either an old school barrel without choke threads or a rifled barrel designed specifically for slugs.

 

i too have a maverick 88 and have shot 3" slig out of it without ill effects.....

 

Vandy is correct.

 

don't know much about Berettas, but my old 870 express has a slug barrel (20") that is smooth bore with a rifled choke...maybe Beretta makes something similar for your gun?

here we go...http://www.choketube.com/beretta.html