As a firearms expert with extensive experience in ballistics and long-range shooting, I have a deep understanding of the factors that influence the shooting range and accuracy of a shotgun slug. The distance one can shoot a slug depends on several variables, including the type of shotgun, the slug itself, the barrel length, the choke, and the shooter's skill.

Shotgun and Slug Type
The type of shotgun plays a significant role in determining the shooting distance. A rifled slug barrel, which has spiral grooves on the inside of the barrel, imparts a spin to the slug, stabilizing it in flight and improving accuracy. Smoothbore shotguns, on the other hand, do not impart spin and are generally less accurate at longer ranges.

Barrel Length
The length of the barrel also affects the shooting distance. Longer barrels generally provide more velocity to the slug, which can increase both the effective range and the accuracy. However, longer barrels can also be heavier and more cumbersome to handle, which might affect the shooter's ability to aim and shoot accurately.

Choke
The choke of the shotgun barrel is another critical factor. Chokes constrict the barrel at the muzzle, which can help to keep the shot pattern tighter and more focused. This is particularly important for slugs, as a tight pattern can significantly improve accuracy at longer distances.

Shooter's Skill
The skill of the shooter is paramount. Even with the best equipment, a shooter's ability to aim, control recoil, and make adjustments based on environmental factors such as wind speed and direction will greatly affect the shooting distance and accuracy.

Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as wind, elevation, and even air density can significantly affect the trajectory of the slug. A skilled shooter will be able to adjust for these factors to improve accuracy.

Ammunition
The type of ammunition used also plays a role. High-quality, heavy-for-caliber slugs can offer better ballistic coefficients, which means they will maintain their velocity and trajectory better over longer distances.

In the past, as mentioned in the American Slug Shooting Association's tips, there was a significant emphasis on hitting targets at 100 yards with smoothbore shotguns. However, with advancements in shotgun technology and shooting techniques, modern shooters now aim for much smaller targets at the same distance, showcasing the improved accuracy and capabilities of today's shotguns.

In conclusion, the distance one can shoot a slug effectively is influenced by a combination of equipment, environmental conditions, and the shooter's skill. With the right setup and practice, hitting targets at 100 yards and beyond is certainly achievable.

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Shotgun Slug Accuracy Tips from the American Slug Shooting Association. In the not-so-distant smoothbore days of slug shooting, people bragged about shotguns that could hit a 5-gallon milk can at 100 yards. Now, shooters brag about shotguns that could hit a shot glass at the same distance.Nov 13, 2009read more >>