Best Deer Slug Guns · #5
500 Slugster
Mossberg
Reader rating
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Tang safety and a rifled bore. The budget slug gun that has taken more deer than most rifles.
Pros
- Excellent accuracy with sabot slugs due to rifled bore
- Time-tested reliability of the Mossberg 500 platform
- Intuitive and ambidextrous tang safety
- Durable, weather-resistant synthetic furniture
- Affordable, offering great value for a dedicated slug gun
Cons
- Rifled barrel limits versatility for other shotgun applications
- Can be heavy, especially with optics mounted
- Recoil can be stout with heavy slug loads
- Basic fit and finish, not a premium aesthetic
Best uses
- Deer hunting in shotgun-only zones
- Hunting in dense brush and forests
- Dedicated slug gun for whitetail
- Budget-conscious deer hunters
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Mossberg
- Model
- 500 Slugster
- Action
- Pump-Action
- Safety
- Ambidextrous Tang
- Barrel
- Rifled
- Purpose
- Deer Hunting
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, Hunting in dense brush and forests, Dedicated slug gun for whitetail, Budget-conscious deer hunters
Where to buy the 500 Slugster
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The Mossberg 500 Slugster, securing the number five spot on our list, is a testament to rugged simplicity and effective deer hunting. This isn't a fancy shotgun; it's a workhorse designed with a singular purpose: putting slugs accurately downrange. Its enduring popularity stems from its no-nonsense design and reliable performance in the field, making it a staple for countless hunters across North America. While it might lack some of the modern refinements found in higher-priced options, the Slugster delivers where it counts, providing a consistent platform for slug ammunition. It’s often the go-to choice for hunters operating in dense woods or shotgun-only zones, where maneuverability and quick target acquisition are paramount. The combination of its robust build and the classic tang safety sets it apart, offering a familiar and dependable feel for many. This model has effectively blurred the lines between a traditional shotgun and a dedicated slug gun, often outperforming expectations for its price point. This shotgun excels as a dedicated slug platform, primarily due to its rifled bore, a key feature that significantly improves slug accuracy compared to smoothbore shotguns. It's an ideal choice for hunters prioritizing function over aesthetics, offering a durable and reliable tool for harvesting deer. The widespread availability of aftermarket accessories for the Mossberg 500 platform also means that while it comes as a purpose-built slug gun, customization options exist for those who wish to fine-tune its performance or ergonomics. It represents excellent value for money, frequently outperforming more expensive alternatives in real-world hunting scenarios. Its longevity in the market speaks volumes about its effectiveness and the trust hunters place in its capabilities.
Who It's Really For
The 500 Slugster is for the practical hunter who needs a dedicated deer slug gun without breaking the bank. It's not for the hunter chasing sub-MOA groups at 200 yards, nor for those who prioritize fine wood and engraving. This shotgun shines in shotgun-only zones and dense brush, where shots are typically inside 100-125 yards. It's an excellent choice for new hunters looking for a reliable and effective entry into deer hunting, as well as seasoned veterans who appreciate its rugged simplicity and proven track record. If you need a dependable, no-frills tool to put deer in the freezer, this shotgun delivers without unnecessary complexity or cost. Its straightforward design ensures easy maintenance and consistent performance in challenging conditions.
Materials and Construction
Mossberg built the Slugster with utility in mind. It features a robust steel receiver and barrel, designed to withstand the rigors of hunting season year after year. The synthetic stock and forend are impervious to weather, shrugging off rain, snow, and mud that would damage traditional wood furniture. The internal components are also heavily built, ensuring reliable cycling and ignition in adverse conditions. The rifled barrel, often a key differentiator, is engineered specifically to stabilize sabot slugs, maximizing their accuracy potential. While not a lightweight, its construction offers a balance of durability and manageable carry weight for a dedicated slug gun. There's no delicate craftsmanship here; it's all about functional strength.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Slugster is a consistent performer. With quality sabot slugs, it's entirely capable of 3-4 inch groups at 75-100 yards, which is more than adequate for ethical deer hunting. The tang safety is intuitive and easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands, providing a quick and secure method of operation. Recoil, especially with heavier slugs, can be substantial, but it's manageable for most shooters and expected from a 12-gauge slug gun. The pump action is reliable, cycling shells smoothly without issue. While it won't win any beauty contests, its ability to put slugs accurately into the vitals of a deer is undeniable, making it a highly effective tool in its intended role. It simply works, season after season.
Weight and Packability
Given its robust construction and dedicated slug barrel, the Slugster isn't a featherweight. Expect it to tip the scales in the 7-8 pound range, depending on the specific configuration and optics mounted. While not ultralight, this weight contributes to recoil absorption and steady aiming. Its overall length, often with a 24-inch rifled barrel, is manageable in dense cover, but it's not a compact breakdown gun. It carries well with a sling, and its synthetic furniture means you don't need to baby it when navigating brush or wet conditions. Packability isn't its strong suit for backpacking trips, but for stand hunting or still hunting in typical deer country, it's a comfortable and balanced carry.
Durability and Longevity
This shotgun is built to last. Mossberg 500 series shotguns are renowned for their ruggedness, and the Slugster is no exception. Its simple pump-action mechanism has fewer moving parts to fail compared to some semi-automatics, contributing to its extreme reliability. The synthetic stock and forend are virtually indestructible in normal hunting conditions, resisting scratches, dents, and environmental damage. We've seen these shotguns endure decades of use, often with minimal maintenance beyond routine cleaning. Rust can be a concern if neglected, especially on exposed steel, but with basic care, a Slugster will reliably serve multiple generations of hunters. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of firearm.
Alternatives and Trade-offs
At its price point, comparable alternatives often include dedicated slug guns from Remington (like the 870 Express Deer) or Savage (Model 212/220 bolt-actions, though these are typically more expensive). The primary trade-off with the Slugster is its lack of versatility; while it excels with slugs, its rifled barrel makes it unsuitable for birdshot or buckshot for effective patterns. If you need a single shotgun for everything from deer to waterfowl, a smoothbore with interchangeable choke tubes and an additional rifled barrel would be more versatile, albeit usually at a higher combined cost. The Slugster is a purpose-built tool, and while it does that job exceptionally well, it's not a do-it-all shotgun. Its budget-friendly nature also means less refined fit and finish than premium options.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best deer slug guns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
500 Slugster — frequently asked questions
- Is the 500 Slugster worth it?
- We rank it #5 in Best Deer Slug Guns. Tang safety and a rifled bore. The budget slug gun that has taken more deer than most rifles.
- What is the 500 Slugster best for?
- Best for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, hunting in dense brush and forests, dedicated slug gun for whitetail and budget-conscious deer hunters. Standouts: excellent accuracy with sabot slugs due to rifled bore and time-tested reliability of the mossberg 500 platform.
- What are the downsides of the 500 Slugster?
- Rifled barrel limits versatility for other shotgun applications, Can be heavy, especially with optics mounted and Recoil can be stout with heavy slug loads.
- What are the key specs of the 500 Slugster?
- Manufacturer: Mossberg · Model: 500 Slugster · Action: Pump-Action · Safety: Ambidextrous Tang · Barrel: Rifled
- Who It's Really For?
- The 500 Slugster is for the practical hunter who needs a dedicated deer slug gun without breaking the bank. It's not for the hunter chasing sub-MOA groups at 200 yards, nor for those who prioritize fine wood and engraving.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the 500 Slugster?
- Mossberg built the Slugster with utility in mind. It features a robust steel receiver and barrel, designed to withstand the rigors of hunting season year after year.
Compare side by side
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