Short Guns: Slug Barrel or 45-70?

[Moon]

I've been considering getting a short, fast, open-sighted rifle for some time. The primary use would be for hunting hogs in thick cutovers. I like the short Marlin levers in 45-70. But how would my 870 with a 20" slug barrel stack up against a 45-70? A slug barrel is much cheaper than a new gun, and operating a pump is already second nature for me. Would the slug barrel be an acceptable alternative, or are we talking apples versus oranges here? Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Fred Fuller]

In a way it's apples and oranges, but for your intended purpose it sounds as if it wouldn't make much difference. You already have the skill set to run the shotgun, a 20" or 18" rifle sighted barrel would be just as handy in the thick stuff as a big bore carbine, there is no real weight penalty, magazine capacities are roughly comparable and there is no arguing with short range knockdown for either. Sounds like the shotgun barrel is the way to go.

I would try Brenneke/Kent KO slugs were I you, the 2 3/4" version is fine, stick with 'em if they group well. If not try the Rottweil Brennekes. I like Brenneke slugs given their harder alloy and sharp shoulder, they cut nice clean full diameter holes and penetrate well to boot.

lpl/nc

 

[Dave McCracken]

A short shotgun stoked with Brenekkes comes close to the optimum CQB weapon and protein acquiring apparatus yet invented. A recent thread "When Shotguns Are Shot Like Rifles" may give you some input.

I've owned less than twenty shotguns, so far. I've owned 3 45-70s, and would put an 870 with slugs as their equal. Good slugs make big, deep holes.

The original Brenekkes were designed with European Wild Boar in mind.

 

[rudolf]

I don't know about your boars in the US, but the boars in Germany are dangerous game and many a hunter has been severely hury by them. A short double barreled shoutgun with Brenneckes is the way to go over here. Your pump will be ok if you can get a quick second shot. I wouldn't take chances with the 45/70, the Brennecke is simply more bullet.

 

[Rupestris]

There is some interesting info at www.theboxotruth.com . You'll have to read it and make up your own mind.

Check out what different rounds did against bullet resistant glass including slugs and the .45-70. http://www.theboxotruth.com/bot06.htm .

in my opinion, slugs and a familiar firearm would be the way to go.

 

[1911 guy]

Accuracy

is the only thing I can think of as a good advantage of one over the other at pig shooting distances. If you have to reach out a little, the 45-70 may have an advantage. On the other hand, slug technology has come a long way. Now that I've negated my own argument...

 

[pauli]

i dimly recall seeing that a 3" magnum 12ga slug, a 45-70, and a 30-06 all deliver about the same muzzle energy (though, obviously, at different combinations of mass and velocity). i guess that makes it a matter of range, and how big a hole you want punched in the piggies...

 

[Gordon]

I'd go with slugs for game under 1000 pounds and under 75 yards, 870 pumps are about as fast as you can get, period. Over 1000pounds and over 75 yards I'd rather have a big bore rifle .375H&H up (a good heavy 45-70 load would work for the shorter ranges) .
The more I deal with an 18" barrel 870 smooth bore properly set up, the more I feel it is indeed IT at close range. Brennekes are definately the best choice for big game, but I think my Remington Managed Recoil slugs are plenty enough for humans not wearing armor!

 

[c_yeager]

All i can add is that a short 45/70 guide gun is likely to be a LOT shorter and handier than the slug gun. Since your used to the shotgun anyways this probably wont matter a bit.

 

[flatdog]

I'm a died in the wool 45-70 man and a levergun in that caliber would be my first choice. That being said, however, I believe you should follow your first mind and go with the short barrel shotgun and quality slugs. That setup is essentially a short, light, powerful rifle.

The lower cost will allow you to find the correct slug for your needs. Choice of rifled slugs or sabots will determine your barrel selection.

IMO. Excepting reliability. The overriding factors are, the slug absolutely must hold together, defeat all barriers in it's path, and produce deep straight line penetration in order to disrupt the vitals. From any angle offered.

You don't need a mad hog at smellin' distance due to the erratic penetration of an otherwise well placed shot. Expansion while nice is secondary.

Good hunting.

flatdog.

 

[Nnobby45]

Not to criticize the .45/70, but if a 400 lb. hog were after my bacon , I might be inclined to go with the Brenneke slug.

Attach. June-13 shows 1 oz. Rottweil Brenneke--lots of penetration with less expansion--still destructive.

Attach. Fed.-Tac. shows Federal LE 127RS low recoil Tactical with more expansion (and destruction).