Slug Barrel for a Maverick 88

[ZeSpectre]

The local gunshop has a Mossburg 500 24" rifled "slug" barrel sitting around gathering dust (not a gun, just the barrel). It's ported on the end and has a built on scope mount.

I have a Maverick 88 with the 26" ribbed "field/all purpose" barrel (not rifled but with interchangeable chokes).

I'm going deer hunting with a friend for the first time this year and one of the spots he wants to go is "shotgun only" but allows shot or slug. I was wondering if having the rifled and ported slug barrel would be of any actual use over my current "all purpose" shotgun barrel.

Also, if I do get it, what power scope, if any, should I consider putting on that mount?

Thanks for the help.
Ze

 

[Regolith]

The rifled barrel allows you to use saboted rounds, which will group better and have a bit more range on them than a rifled slug. It will screw up any shot patterns fired out of it, though, and I don't think rifled slugs do well out of them either.

You're still going to be limited to around 100-150 yard shots, maybe as far as 200 yards at maximum. Your best bet is to get a scope that has somewhere between 2.5 and 4x power, and has decent eye relief (don't want to take a scope to the forehead...that usually hurts).

 

[Sunray]

"...any actual use over my current "all purpose" shotgun barrel..." Most assuredly. Having an extra barrel for any shotgun isn't a bad thing. The accuracy of a rifled barrel at 100 yards can be truly astounding with good ammo. 150 yards is pushing it, but at 100, 2" groups or less isn't unusual. Think in terms of a .75 calibre rifle. Forget buckshot altogether. It's not reliable enough. Doesn't work worth beans out of a rifled barrel anyway.
Mind you, make sure a rifled shotgun barrel is legal where you're going. If they aren't, pattern your smooth bore with buckshot and don't take any shots over 25 yards.
Snap that puppy up, if the price is right. Then try as many brands of slugs as you can to find the ammo it shoots best and sight in just like you do with a rifle.
A scope only lets you see the target better. There are lots of good quality scopes made specifically for rifled shotgun barrels. Like Regolith says, 4X is plenty. You will have to sight it in with the ammo you intend hunting with, just like you would any rifle.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Wow, learn something every day!
Thanks guys, I'm not really a shotgun guy so I've got large gaps in my firearms knowledge where that's concerned so I really appreciate the help.

 

[tinygnat219]

Ze,

I use the following Slugs for my Winchester 1100:
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/managed-recoil_buckhammer.asp

They are NICE and don't beat up the shoulder all day. I am comfortable with my Shottie out to 100 yards with it, but plan on taking shots on those only 50yards or less. I don't feel like chasing the deer all over hell and creation.

BTW, rifled barrels are ok where we are going (private land most likely). Just don't shoot the cows and you will be fine.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Thanks TinyGnat219,
Looking forward to the hunting trip.

Those "buckhammer" slugs look pretty wild. It'll be interesting to see them in action.

 

[tinygnat219]

Ze,

No problem. In fact, if you need a box or two of the slugs to try out, let me know. I have stocked up.