As a firearms expert with extensive knowledge in ballistics and gunsmithing, I can provide a detailed answer to the question of whether a rifled slug can be shot through a smooth bore shotgun.

English Answer:

Rifled slugs are specifically designed for use in rifled barrels, where the spiral grooves within the barrel impart a spin to the projectile, increasing its stability and accuracy in flight. The design of a rifled slug is such that it is meant to engage with the rifling to achieve the desired spin. On the other hand, smooth bore shotguns do not have these spiral grooves, and as a result, they do not impart spin to the projectiles they fire.

When it comes to shooting rifled slugs through a smooth bore, there are several factors to consider:


1. Accuracy: The primary purpose of a rifled slug is to achieve greater accuracy at longer ranges. In a smooth bore, the lack of rifling means that the slug will not spin, which can significantly reduce its accuracy. The gyroscopic stability that comes from the spin is what helps maintain a straight flight path, and without it, the slug is more susceptible to wind drift and other external influences.


2. Safety: There is a misconception that shooting rifled slugs through a smooth bore is inherently unsafe. While it is true that the slug may not perform as well as it would in a rifled barrel, it is not necessarily unsafe. However, it is important to ensure that the shotgun is in good condition and that the slug is the correct size for the bore to avoid any potential issues.


3. Barrel Wear: The concern about damaging the rifling in a rifled barrel when shooting sabot slugs is valid. Sabot slugs are designed to be shot from smooth bores and have a plastic or cardboard sabot that encapsulates the lead core. When fired, the sabot separates from the core, allowing it to fit snugly within the bore. If a sabot slug is fired from a rifled barrel, the sabot can become lodged in the rifling, causing damage. However, this concern does not apply to rifled slugs in a smooth bore, as there is no rifling to damage.


4. Types of Slugs: It is crucial to differentiate between rifled slugs and sabot slugs. Rifling is only beneficial in a rifled barrel, and using a rifled slug in a smooth bore will not provide the intended benefits. Sabot slugs, however, can be used in both rifled and smooth bore shotguns, although their accuracy may be slightly reduced in a smooth bore due to the lack of spin.


5. Hunting and Target Shooting: For hunting, the choice of slug type and barrel configuration should be based on the intended game and shooting conditions. In a smooth bore, a sabot slug may be more appropriate, especially for closer ranges where accuracy is less critical. For target shooting or precision hunting at longer ranges, a rifled barrel with a rifled slug is the best combination.

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to shoot a rifled slug through a smooth bore shotgun, it is not recommended due to the loss of accuracy and the fact that the rifled slug is not designed to be used without the benefit of rifling. For the best performance and safety, it is best to match the slug type with the appropriate barrel configuration.

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Smoothbore shotguns you should only shoot rifle slugs. If you shoot sabot slugs from smooth bore it is ok but you loose accuracy significantly. If you have a rifled barrel you should "ONLY" shoot "SABOT SLUGS" or you will damage the rifling of your barrel.Oct 21, 2010read more >>