Best Deer Slug Guns · #7
BPS Rifled Deer Hunter
Browning
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Bottom eject, dual slide bars, and a heavy rifled barrel. Built for lefties and hard use.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy with saboted slugs
- Bottom ejection ideal for left-handed shooters
- Dual action bars for smooth, reliable cycling
- Robust, durable all-steel construction
- Recoil absorption due to heavy barrel and weight
Cons
- Heavier than many general-purpose shotguns
- Specialized for slugs, not versatile for other shotgun uses
- Higher price point than basic pump shotguns
Best uses
- Deer hunting in slug-only areas
- Hunting from stationary positions
- Left-handed shooters
- All-weather hunting
Specifications
- Action
- Pump-Action
- Gauge
- 12 Gauge (most common)
- Barrel Type
- Fully Rifled
- Ejection
- Bottom
- Slide Bars
- Dual
- Intended Use
- Deer Hunting (Slugs)
Pricing
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Best for
Deer hunting in slug-only areas, Hunting from stationary positions, Left-handed shooters, All-weather hunting
Where to buy the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter
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The Browning BPS Rifled Deer Hunter slots in at number seven on our list, not because it's a slouch, but because its specialized design narrows its appeal slightly compared to more versatile options. This isn't a shotgun you buy for dove hunting on Saturday and deer hunting on Sunday. It's purpose-built for slinging slugs with precision, and in that role, it excels. Its defining characteristic, the bottom ejection system, is a significant win for left-handed shooters, preventing spent shells from crossing their line of sight. This feature, combined with twin slide bars, makes for a remarkably smooth and jam-free action, even in adverse conditions. If you're serious about slug hunting and appreciate bomb-proof construction, the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter warrants a very close look. It's a no-nonsense tool that delivers on its promise of reliable, accurate performance in the deer woods. The heavy, fully rifled barrel is the heart of its accuracy. Unlike smoothbore shotguns that rely on rifled slugs or chokes, the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter is designed to stabilize saboted slugs, maximizing their ballistic potential. This translates directly to tighter groups at extended ranges, giving hunters a distinct advantage where legal regulations mandate shotgun use for deer. The overall weight contributes to felt recoil management, a welcome trait when sending heavy slugs downrange. While it might feel a bit heavy for long treks, that mass translates into stability on the shot and a robust feel that inspires confidence. It's a shotgun that feels substantial, not delicate, a characteristic many serious hunters appreciate when deep in the field.
Who It's For
This shotgun is really for the dedicated deer hunter operating in slug-only zones, or anyone who values a purpose-built tool over a multi-tasker. It's particularly well-suited for left-handed shooters due to its bottom ejection, which keeps brass clear of the shooter's face and vision. Beyond that, it appeals to those who prioritize reliability and accuracy above all else for their deer season. If you appreciate traditional blued steel and walnut (or robust synthetic), and prefer a shotgun that feels like it could take a beating and keep running, this is your huckleberry. It's not a lightweight mountain gun, nor is it a claybuster; it’s a woodsman’s slug gun.
Materials and Construction
The BPS Rifled Deer Hunter typically features a blued steel receiver and barrel, often paired with a checkered walnut stock and forend, though synthetic options exist. The heart of its accuracy is the heavy, fully rifled barrel designed specifically for saboted slugs. Internal components are robust, engineered for thousands of cycles. The dual action bars are a key reliability feature, preventing binding and ensuring smooth cycling even when the gun is handled roughly or gets a bit grimy. Fit and finish are generally excellent, reflecting Browning's reputation for quality manufacturing, ensuring a tight, reliable package straight out of the box that will withstand years of field use.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter performs exactly as advertised: it puts slugs where you aim them. Accuracy out to 100-150 yards with quality saboted slugs is consistently good, often producing groups comparable to some rifles. The heavy barrel and overall weight help mitigate recoil, making follow-up shots more manageable than with lighter slug guns. The bottom ejection is genuinely appreciated by southpaws and also keeps spent hulls from littering the ground in front of the shooter, a small but thoughtful detail. It cycles smoothly, even when dirty or cold, proving its reliability in real hunting scenarios where conditions are rarely pristine and often demanding.
Weight and Packability
This isn't a lightweight shotgun. Depending on configuration, expect it to tip the scales around 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, unloaded. That heft is a double-edged sword: it aids in recoil reduction and stability, but it can become noticeable on long treks or in dense cover. It's not particularly compact, with a standard hunting shotgun length, so it's not ideal for tight blinds or cramped spaces. Packability is standard for a full-size hunting shotgun; it's designed to be carried over the shoulder or in a vehicle, not broken down and stowed in a backpack. Its weight reinforces its role as a dedicated hunting tool, not a versatile travel companion.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is a hallmark of the BPS line, and the Rifled Deer Hunter is no exception. Its all-steel construction, robust action, and minimal reliance on plastic components contribute to its tank-like reputation. Owners consistently report years, even decades, of reliable service with minimal maintenance beyond routine cleaning. The blued finish holds up well with care, and the internal mechanisms are designed for high round counts. This is a shotgun built to be passed down through generations, capable of withstanding the bumps, scrapes, and environmental stresses of serious hunting without losing its functionality or accuracy. It’s built for hard use.
Comparable Alternatives
At its price point, comparable alternatives often include the Savage 212/220 series (bolt-action slug guns renowned for accuracy) or specialized Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 slug gun variants. The BPS Rifled Deer Hunter stands out with its unique bottom ejection and dual action bars, which are distinct advantages for certain shooters and reliability. While the Savage offers potentially superior accuracy due to its bolt-action design, the BPS provides faster follow-up shots in a pump platform. Other pump-action slug guns may be lighter or slightly less expensive, but often lack the BPS's robust feel and ambidextrous nature, making it a unique contender.
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.
BPS Rifled Deer Hunter — frequently asked questions
- Is the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Deer Slug Guns. Bottom eject, dual slide bars, and a heavy rifled barrel. Built for lefties and hard use.
- What is the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter best for?
- Best for deer hunting in slug-only areas, hunting from stationary positions, left-handed shooters and all-weather hunting. Standouts: exceptional accuracy with saboted slugs and bottom ejection ideal for left-handed shooters.
- What are the downsides of the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter?
- Heavier than many general-purpose shotguns, Specialized for slugs, not versatile for other shotgun uses and Higher price point than basic pump shotguns.
- What are the key specs of the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter?
- Action: Pump-Action · Gauge: 12 Gauge (most common) · Barrel Type: Fully Rifled · Ejection: Bottom · Slide Bars: Dual
- Who It's For?
- This shotgun is really for the dedicated deer hunter operating in slug-only zones, or anyone who values a purpose-built tool over a multi-tasker. It's particularly well-suited for left-handed shooters due to its bottom ejection, which keeps brass clear of the shooter's face and vision.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter?
- The BPS Rifled Deer Hunter typically features a blued steel receiver and barrel, often paired with a checkered walnut stock and forend, though synthetic options exist. The heart of its accuracy is the heavy, fully rifled barrel designed specifically for saboted slugs.
Compare side by side
Put the BPS Rifled Deer Hunter against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.