Best Deer Slug Guns · #3
Model 700 Slug
Tar-Hunt
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Custom-shop slug rifles built on a bolt action. Expensive, and nothing shoots slugs better.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Very expensive, custom shop pricing
- Heavy and less portable than typical shotguns
- Slower follow-up shots compared to semi-autos
- Recoil can be stout
Best uses
- Shotgun-only deer hunting
- Precision slug shooting
- Stand hunting in open country
- Hunters prioritizing accuracy above all
Specifications
- Action
- Bolt-Action
- Caliber
- 12 Gauge (primarily)
- Barrel Type
- Fully Rifled
- Purpose
- Dedicated Slug Hunting
- Origin
- Custom Shop / USA
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
Shotgun-only deer hunting, Precision slug shooting, Stand hunting in open country, Hunters prioritizing accuracy above all
Where to buy the Model 700 Slug
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
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The Tar-Hunt Model 700 Slug is a specialized tool, a purpose-built bolt-action slug gun designed from the ground up for maximum accuracy with rifled slugs. Unlike most slug guns which are adaptations of bird-hunting platforms, Tar-Hunt started with the precision of a bolt-action rifle and engineered it specifically for the ballistics of shotgun slugs. This isn't a shotgun you'd take to the skeet range; it's a dedicated deer slayer for shotgun-only zones, or for hunters who simply demand the utmost precision when using slugs. Its construction reflects this singular focus, prioritizing rigidity, stability, and barrel harmonics to wring every bit of accuracy out of sabot ammunition. This level of specialization comes with a significant price tag, placing it firmly in the custom rifle category rather than off-the-rack sporting arms. The Model 700 Slug isn't for the casual hunter, but rather for those who understand and appreciate the engineering required to make a shotgun slug perform like a rifle bullet out to its effective range. Its performance stands alone in its class, often rivaling centerfire rifles in terms of group size at 100 yards, a feat virtually unheard of from a shotgun. If your hunting conditions or regulations dictate slugs, and accuracy is non-negotiable, the Tar-Hunt Model 700 Slug offers a unique solution.
Who It's For
This firearm is for the discerning deer hunter operating in shotgun-only zones or for anyone who demands rifle-like precision from their slug setup. It's not a general-purpose shotgun; it's built for hunters who treat slug hunting with the same seriousness as rifle hunting, understanding the ballistic nuances and seeking the tightest possible groups. Hunters who have struggled with the inherent limitations of converted smoothbore or even most factory-rifled shotguns will find the Tar-Hunt a revelation. It's an investment for those who prioritize ethical, clean kills at extended shotgun ranges, and who appreciate high-end, purpose-built tools.
Materials and Construction
The Model 700 Slug is built on a heavy-duty, reinforced bolt-action receiver, often a modified Remington 700 action, known for its strength and accuracy potential. The heart of its performance is the fully rifled, heavy-profile barrel, typically made from high-grade steel, designed for optimal slug stabilization and vibration dampening. Stocks are often synthetic or laminated wood, chosen for stability and weather resistance. Every component, from the trigger to the bedding, is selected and assembled with precision in mind, reflecting custom-shop attention to detail. This isn't mass-produced; it's crafted.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Model 700 Slug delivers on its promise of exceptional accuracy. With quality sabot slugs, hunters routinely report sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards, and often tighter, a performance level that few other slug guns can match. This translates to increased confidence in shot placement and extended ethical hunting ranges compared to typical slug setups. The bolt action provides a consistent lock-up and contributes to its precision, though follow-up shots are slower than with a semi-auto or pump. Recoil is substantial, as expected from a 12-gauge slug gun, but the rifle's weight and design help manage it.
Weight and Portability
This is not a lightweight hunting shotgun. Its heavy barrel and robust construction mean the Model 700 Slug often tips the scales well over 8 pounds, sometimes closer to 10 with optics. This weight is a trade-off for accuracy, helping to stabilize the rifle during the shot and mitigate recoil. While certainly portable enough for stand hunting or moderate still-hunting, it's not designed for long, strenuous backcountry treks where every ounce counts. Its bulk is a testament to its rigidity and precision, but hunters should be prepared for its heft.
Durability and Longevity
Built with high-quality materials and custom-shop attention, the Tar-Hunt Model 700 Slug is exceptionally durable. The robust bolt action and heavy barrel are designed for sustained precision and will withstand years of regular use with proper care. These are not firearms prone to common mechanical failures; their construction is solid and dependable. As a specialized piece, it's often meticulously maintained by its owners, further extending its lifespan. Expect this rifle to be a long-term companion for serious slug hunters.
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.
Model 700 Slug — frequently asked questions
- Is the Model 700 Slug worth it?
- We rank it #3 in Best Deer Slug Guns. Custom-shop slug rifles built on a bolt action. Expensive, and nothing shoots slugs better.
- What is the Model 700 Slug best for?
- Best for shotgun-only deer hunting, precision slug shooting, stand hunting in open country and hunters prioritizing accuracy above all. Standouts: unmatched accuracy for a slug gun and rifle-like precision at 100+ yards.
- What are the downsides of the Model 700 Slug?
- Very expensive, custom shop pricing, Heavy and less portable than typical shotguns and Slower follow-up shots compared to semi-autos.
- What are the key specs of the Model 700 Slug?
- Action: Bolt-Action · Caliber: 12 Gauge (primarily) · Barrel Type: Fully Rifled · Purpose: Dedicated Slug Hunting · Origin: Custom Shop / USA
- Who It's For?
- This firearm is for the discerning deer hunter operating in shotgun-only zones or for anyone who demands rifle-like precision from their slug setup. It's not a general-purpose shotgun; it's built for hunters who treat slug hunting with the same seriousness as rifle hunting, understanding the ballistic nuances and…
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Model 700 Slug?
- The Model 700 Slug is built on a heavy-duty, reinforced bolt-action receiver, often a modified Remington 700 action, known for its strength and accuracy potential. The heart of its performance is the fully rifled, heavy-profile barrel, typically made from high-grade steel, designed for optimal slug stabilization and…
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