As a firearms expert with extensive experience in the field, I've had the opportunity to work with various shotguns, including the Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 500 is a versatile and reliable pump-action shotgun that has been a favorite among hunters and law enforcement for decades. When it comes to shooting slugs through a Mossberg 500, especially a smoothbore model, there are several factors to consider to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Firstly, it's important to understand that a smoothbore shotgun, unlike its rifled counterpart, does not have grooves inside the barrel that impart a spin to the projectile. This means that the accuracy of the shot is primarily dependent on the weight and design of the slug itself. For a smoothbore shotgun, a rifled slug is not ideal because the spin from the rifled barrel would destabilize the slug, reducing its accuracy.

When selecting a slug for use in a Mossberg 500 smoothbore, it's crucial to choose one that is designed for smoothbore barrels. These slugs are typically heavier and have a design that helps maintain stability in flight without the need for spin. The weight and design of the slug can greatly affect its trajectory and the point at which it reaches maximum accuracy.

In my experience, Remington Sluggers have proven to be a good choice for smoothbore shotguns. They are known for their affordability and consistent performance. The design of these slugs is such that they can maintain a relatively flat trajectory out to moderate ranges, making them suitable for hunting medium-sized game such as whitetail deer.

Another important consideration is the ammunition's velocity. Slugs fired from a shotgun typically have a lower velocity compared to those fired from a rifled barrel, which means they require a closer range to be most effective. It's also worth noting that the Mossberg 500, being a 12-gauge shotgun, can handle a variety of loads, but the optimal choice would be a 2-3/4 inch or 3-inch 12-gauge slug, depending on the specific model of the shotgun and the user's preference.

Safety is paramount when handling firearms. Always ensure that the shotgun is pointed in a safe direction, that you are aware of your surroundings, and that you follow all proper gun handling procedures. Additionally, it's essential to understand the local laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms and ammunition, as these can vary greatly by location.

In conclusion, shooting a slug through a Mossberg 500 smoothbore is not only possible but can be done effectively with the right type of slug and proper technique. The key is to use slugs that are designed for smoothbore barrels, understand the limitations in terms of range and accuracy, and always prioritize safety.

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which slugs are best to use with a mossberg 500 smoothbore. If your shootin a smooth bore you don't want a rifled slug. Grew up shooting whitetails with slugs and my brothers still do, though they have gone to rifled barrels. ... remington sluggers shoot well in my smoothbores and they're cheap.Dec 28, 2009read more >>