870 Express Mag - deer?

[Vermonter]

I have an 870 Express Magnum. Not sure of the barrel length, it's long, and full choke.

I've already done Hunter Safety. It's about $20 for a license.

Live across the street from "Buck Mountain".

Not much to do for the next two weeks. It's deer season for the next two weeks.

Should I? If so, got some tips? Buck shot? Slugs? I was raised by hippies. I have ZERO hunting experience except hunter safety.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

Be safe and check with your local fish and game to see if hunting with a shot gun is okay in your local area, and what ammo type are allowed. Most places only require center fire, but best be heedful of the local laws.

 

[mnrivrat]

Hi !

Many states do not allow buckshot for deer hunting so check on that before using buckshot.
Where I live we can only use slugs. For that purpose most hunters buy special shorter barrels with iron sights. Smooth bore for Standard slugs and rifled barrels for sabot slugs. (many are switching to sabot as they are more accurate at longer distances)
You can shoot regular slugs from you full choke barrel but if the choke is interchangable you might want to change it to improved cylinder for slugs as that is the typical choke used in smoothbore slug barrels.

If you can and do use buckshot then I would stick with the full choke. For buckshot (use OO) I would try to keep my shots at 35 yards or under ,and for standard slugs at 50 yards or under, for clean kills. I would also make sure you know where your gun shoots before the hunt. (take it to the range with the load your going to use).

 

[870]

Stick with slugs, and learn how to shoot with the slugs.

2 3/4" are all you will need, but buy a box of several brands and see which ones are the most accurate in your gun.

870