Hello there, I'm an expert in firearms and ballistics. I'm here to provide you with accurate and helpful information regarding your query about shooting a slug out of a smooth bore shotgun.

When it comes to shooting a slug from a shotgun, it's important to understand the differences between smooth bore and rifled bore shotguns. A smooth bore shotgun, as the name suggests, has a barrel without any grooves or rifling. On the other hand, a rifled bore shotgun features spiral grooves cut into the barrel, which impart a spin to the projectile as it travels down the barrel.

Shooting Slugs in Smooth Bore Shotguns


1. Slug Compatibility: Slugs are generally designed to be fired from shotguns. However, there are different types of slugs, and their compatibility with smooth bore shotguns can vary. Some slugs are designed for smooth bore barrels, while others, such as sabot slugs, are specifically meant for rifled barrels.


2. Choke Considerations: In a smooth bore shotgun, the choke plays a significant role in the performance of the slug. A tight choke, such as Improved Cylinder (IC) or Modified, can actually hinder the slug's performance by restricting its movement and potentially causing it to tumble upon exiting the barrel. This can lead to a loss of accuracy and range. A more open choke, such as Improved Modified (IM) or Full, allows the slug to exit the barrel more freely, which can improve its flight characteristics.


3. Slug Stability: The stability of a slug in a smooth bore shotgun is a critical factor for accuracy. Without the stabilizing effect of rifling, the slug must rely on its own design to maintain stability in flight. Some slugs are designed with a hollow base or a soft tip that can deform upon firing, creating a means of stabilizing the slug as it travels through the air.


4. Range and Accuracy: Slugs fired from a smooth bore shotgun will generally have a shorter effective range and less accuracy compared to those fired from a rifled bore shotgun. This is due to the lack of spin imparted by the rifling, which helps stabilize the projectile in flight.


5. Safety and Legal Considerations: It's important to always follow safety guidelines when handling firearms. Additionally, there may be legal restrictions on the use of slugs in certain areas, so it's crucial to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations.

**Shooting Sabot Slugs in Rifled Bore Shotguns**


1. Rifling and Sabot Slugs: Sabot slugs are designed to take advantage of the rifling in a rifled bore shotgun. The sabot is a lightweight, usually plastic or paper, cup that surrounds the slug and engages the rifling. As the slug is fired, the rifling imparts a spin to the sabot, which in turn spins the slug, stabilizing it in flight.


2. Accuracy and Range: The use of sabot slugs in a rifled bore shotgun significantly improves both the range and accuracy of the shot. The spin imparted by the rifling helps to stabilize the slug, allowing for flatter trajectories and greater precision at longer distances.


3. Barrel Wear: It's worth noting that firing sabot slugs can cause more wear to the barrel of a rifled shotgun compared to firing shotshells. The sabot material can be abrasive, and over time, this can lead to increased wear on the rifling.


4. Transition to Rifled Bore: If you're considering shooting sabot slugs, it may be worth considering a rifled bore shotgun. The benefits in terms of accuracy and range can make the transition worthwhile, especially for hunting or precision shooting applications.

In conclusion, while it is possible to shoot a slug out of a smooth bore shotgun, the performance will be limited compared to a rifled bore shotgun, particularly when using sabot slugs. The choice of slug, choke, and understanding of the shotgun's capabilities are all important factors in achieving the best performance from your firearm.

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From what I was always taught, you want to shoot a slug through a smooth bore, but do not want a tight choke, IC or more open. A sabot slug should be shot through a rifled barrel. The lanes and grooves will spin the sabot, allowing a further and more accurate shot.read more >>