12 gauge for every game in north America ?

12 gauge is perfect for Alaskan king crab. I believe it is the recommended way to hunt them. I cod fish regularly in my bath tub with my 12 guage and solid copper slugs.

 

Could be done, and I hear of slugs with good ballistic profiles and flechette rounds etc but if I ever see a shotty with a real optical scope I'm going to snicker.

 

Yeah, it's not ideal but it can be done. Some of the nicer slug guns are rifled and can accurately put a slug into a target at a good distance in the hands of a decent shooter. Shotguns are very versatile, good all-rounders. Not the perfect distance gun but can get the job done if need be.

 

Interesting.

 

I deer hunt with a Savage 20 gauge bolt action slug gun. With a 2x red dot on it. Lots of guys scope them, very accurate, I can shoot half inch groups at 100 yards with it easily, and under 2" with Remington Accutips. Lots of guys scope them. I am debating switching to a 4x fixed power for next year. The Savage bolt shot guns come drilled and tapped for scopes...

 

Some states are slug gun only for deer. Ask Illinois hunters about scoping shotguns, they'll have plenty of experience.

 

We have certain areas that are shotgun only, and in other areas they have a separate season for deer hunting for blackpowder and shotgun. The last few years the spot I have been at has been shotgun only for deer, and every year we we end up with meat.