As a firearms expert with years of experience in ballistics and firearms safety, I take pride in providing accurate and safe advice to enthusiasts and professionals alike. When it comes to the question of whether it is safe to shoot a slug through a full choke, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the type of shotgun and the specific choke you are using plays a critical role. A full choke is designed to tighten the pattern of shot, which is ideal for hunting game at longer ranges. However, when it comes to shooting slugs, the choke's effect can vary.

**You can shoot a rifled slug through a fixed full choke with no damage to the slug or the barrel.** The rifling in the barrel imparts a spin to the slug, stabilizing it in flight. This spin is what gives the slug its accuracy, and it is not significantly affected by the choke. The full choke will not damage the slug because the slug is not made of lead shot, which could be deformed by the choke.

However, while the slug itself may not be damaged, the accuracy might be affected. A full choke constricts the shot pattern more than a modified or improved cylinder choke. This constriction can lead to a less uniform distribution of the shot or slug, potentially reducing the effective range and accuracy. It is also important to note that the velocity of the slug may be slightly reduced as it exits the barrel, which can further affect the trajectory and accuracy at longer distances.

Another consideration is barrel leading. When a shotgun is used frequently with full choke and shot, the lead from the shot can accumulate on the inside of the barrel, especially near the choke. While rifled slugs are less likely to cause this issue due to their harder material, continuous use with a full choke could still lead to some buildup over time, which may require more frequent cleaning.

It's also worth mentioning that we are not discussing sabot slugs in this context. Sabot slugs are designed to be fired from a smooth bore and utilize a plastic or foam sabot that encapsulates the slug, providing a tighter fit within the barrel. When fired from a rifled barrel, the sabot can disintegrate unevenly, affecting the accuracy and potentially damaging the barrel due to the uneven pressure distribution.

In conclusion, while it is safe to shoot a rifled slug through a full choke, there are trade-offs in terms of potential accuracy and maintenance. It is always recommended to use the appropriate choke for the intended purpose and to follow proper cleaning and maintenance routines to ensure the longevity and performance of your firearm.

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You can shoot a rifled slug through a fixed full choke with no damage. The accuracy may not be as good compared to a less restricted choke and you could get increased barrel leading. Of course we're NOT talking about sabot slugs because their accuracy sucks when fired from a smooth bore.read more >>