Model 700 Slug

In counties and states restricted to shotgun-only big game hunting, hunters have historically settled for mediocre grouping from adapted bird guns. This specialized build approaches the problem from the opposite direction. By adapting a proven Remington 700 bolt action specifically for shotgun hulls, it treats the modern sabot slug not as an afterthought, but as a legitimate centerfire cartridge.

The defining engineering choice here is mechanical rigidity. Where pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns rely on loose, slip-fit barrels secured by magazine caps, this design threads a heavy, fully rifled barrel directly into the receiver. Bedded into a stiff synthetic stock and paired with a crisp, rifle-grade trigger, it completely eliminates the wandering zeros common to field shotguns. Out to 150 yards and beyond, it delivers tight, consistent groups with modern high-velocity sabots that standard smoothbores simply cannot duplicate.

That precision requires acknowledging real field trade-offs. The rifle is noticeably heavy, a deliberate choice to help soak up the punishing recoil of magnum slug loads, but one that makes still-hunting or long walks across public land demanding. It is also an expensive, single-purpose firearm with zero utility for upland birds or clays. Yet for the hunter anchored to a tree stand along Midwest timber edges where shot placement is paramount, it remains in a league of its own.