Thread: Shotgun and Slug question!!

And a clarifier on question 3 - I don't think I can use a scope - doesn't the Browning 12 have a recoiling barrel? I am wondering the 16 does as well - that would probably not work well with a scope!

So I guess my 2 questions now are can I shoot those slugs through these guns and which would be better to use?

First off, what choke do you have for them. Yes you can shoot slugs through them "PROVIDED" it is not a smaller choke than a modified choke. Forget a full choked shotgun and slugs. Even better if you had an open choke, or a slug barrel for your model shotgun. Been a while since I messed with them, so not sure anymore if you can get a mount that would mount on a vent rib barrel. I know you can for the slug barrels, as most of the ones I have seen were tapped and died for the mounts. My suggestion would be, no matter which barrel you use, send some lead thru them and see where your slug is hitting. And yes, inside 50 to 75 yds, that 12 ga. is good. If you can, I would invest in the slug barrel, as it would be more accurate than the others. But inside 30 yrds, a plain, or vent rib barrel with either the modified or open choke is fine. Just my two bits worth, from personal experience's.

Stupid question (as I don't hunt)... how do I know what the choke is??

The choke is on the open end of the barrel, business end. The choke is actually inside the barrel and squizes the plug holding the shot together as it exit's the barrel. the more choke you have the tighter the pattern. An open choke is the same as a smoothe bore barrel, or no choke, while a modified choke is half way between the open and a full choke, and the full choke is the tightest. These are usually screwed in from the end of the barrel. However you need a choke wrench to remove one to screw the other in and then tighten it in place. If in dought as to what you have, take it by a gun shop, and the gunsmith, or a good sales person can help. Notice I said gun shop sales person, not a counter person at some place like academy sports, or wally world. Hav"nt delt with bass pro shop people in the gun shop area. Maybe one of the other members can chime in on that. And as far as the dumb question, THERE are no dumb questions except the one not asked. Guns in the hands of the unknowing are dangerous for everyone, including the shooter, so don't worry about questions. Better to be safe than sorry. Hope this helps you, and good hunting....

Thanks, that does. This does not have anything attached to the end. The 16 gauge does... I will take the 12 to our local gun shop - they seem to be good guys. I will have them look to double-check. Thanks for the help

Your guns, if older, probably have a fixed choke made into the barrel. Near the receiver end of the barrel, there may be some lettering that will let you know how the barrel is choked.

A quick google search such as this, will give you a clue on how to find it.

If you choose to shoot slugs through your gun, different brands and types may shoot better or worse, so you may want to shoot a couple different types to see what works the best. Out of my 12 ga 870, a 2 3/4 is more accurate than the 3 inch. Sabots for some reason do not shoot well at all. The kids youth 20 gauge shoots slugs best of all.

Browning Barrel Choke Symbols

the gun will have "stars" near the receiver on the barrel. one star is full choke, two stars in modified and 3 is either open modified or open. someone familiar with brownings can show you the stars. if the light 12 were mine i'd put it up. if in good shape and has a ribbed barrel can be worth some money. borrow a rifle from a friend and leave the browning at home.

The shotguns I have that don't have screwed in chokes has the type of choke stamped into the barrel by the reciever. Rifled slugs don't work good in rifled barrels. Standard slugs will work in both rifled and smooth bore barrels but better in the rifled barrels. If your barrel don't have a rail to put your scope mounts on than you can have a gunsmith drill and tap holes in the barrel to put a small rail on for the scope mounts.