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#2 on this list
Deerslayer III
Ithaca Gun Company
Barrel pinned to the receiver, not clamped. Legendary for two-inch groups at 100 yards.
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#3 on this list
Model 700 Slug
Tar-Hunt
Custom-shop slug rifles built on a bolt action. Expensive, and nothing shoots slugs better.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Deerslayer III | Model 700 Slug |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Ithaca Gun Company | — |
| Action Type | Pump-action | — |
| Key Feature | Pinned barrel design | — |
| Accuracy | Two-inch groups at 100 yards (reported) | — |
| Intended Use | Deer hunting | — |
| Origin | USA | Custom Shop / USA |
| Action | — | Bolt-Action |
| Caliber | — | 12 Gauge (primarily) |
| Barrel Type | — | Fully Rifled |
| Purpose | — | Dedicated Slug Hunting |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Deerslayer III
- Exceptional accuracy with slugs due to pinned barrel
- Robust and durable construction for long-term reliability
- Consistent performance in varied hunting conditions
- Stable shooting platform reduces felt recoil
- Purpose-built design excels at deer hunting
- Heavier than many general-purpose shotguns
- Limited versatility beyond slug hunting
- May require dedicated optics for maximum accuracy
Model 700 Slug
- Unmatched accuracy for a slug gun
- Rifle-like precision at 100+ yards
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Purpose-built for optimal slug ballistics
- Confidence-inspiring for ethical long-range shots
- Very expensive, custom shop pricing
- Heavy and less portable than typical shotguns
- Slower follow-up shots compared to semi-autos
- Recoil can be stout
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