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Compare Best Deer Slug Guns head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#5 on this list
500 Slugster
Mossberg
Tang safety and a rifled bore. The budget slug gun that has taken more deer than most rifles.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#6 on this list
M2 Rifled Slug
Benelli
Inertia action keeps recoil manageable through a day of sighting in. Fast follow-up on driven deer.
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- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | 500 Slugster | M2 Rifled Slug |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mossberg | — |
| Model | 500 Slugster | — |
| Action | Pump-Action | Semi-automatic, Inertia-Driven |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Tang | — |
| Barrel | Rifled | — |
| Purpose | Deer Hunting | — |
| Maker | — | Benelli |
| Barrel Type | — | Fully Rifled |
| Caliber | — | 12 Gauge |
| Recoil System | — | Inertia-Driven |
| MSRP | — | Approximately $1,300 - $1,500 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
500 Slugster
- 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
- 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
M2 Rifled Slug
- Exceptional slug accuracy out to 100+ yards
- Reliable inertia-driven semi-automatic action
- Manageable recoil for a 12-gauge slug gun
- Excellent durability and weather resistance
- Fast follow-up shots on moving game
- Specialized purpose, not versatile for other shotgun sports
- Higher price point compared to smoothbore alternatives
- Can be picky with very light slug loads, though uncommon
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