Shotguns - Rifled vs. smooth

[MarlinMan68]

Its just a plain barrel,there is no screw in choke or provisions for it,like I stated earlier I am assuming it is a field barrel?

 

[dave29]

Its just a plain barrel,there is no screw in choke or provisions for it,like I stated earlier I am assuming it is a field barrel?

Field barrels have chokes, whether built in or removable, could possibly be cylinder bore, but I doubt it. Should say somewhere on the barrel what choke it is, unless it is like a million years old.

 

[MarlinMan68]

Field barrels have chokes, whether built in or removable, could possibly be cylinder bore, but I doubt it. Should say somewhere on the barrel what choke it is, unless it is like a million years old.

It must be a million years old.It says PROOF TESTED 12 GAUGE-2&3/4 shells only.The gun is in excellent shape,thats why I bought it.I think it was built in the 50's or 60's.

 

[dave29]

It must be a million years old.It says PROOF TESTED 12 GAUGE-2&3/4 shells only.The gun is in excellent shape,thats why I bought it.I think it was built in the 50's or 60's.

Do you have a caliper to check the bore diameter at the end of the barrel?

As long that it is not a laminated barrel, I don't see why you couldn't shoot 2 3/4" slugs out of it.

 

[MarlinMan68]

Do you have a caliper to check the bore diameter at the end of the barrel?

As long that it is not a laminated barrel, I don't see why you couldn't shoot 2 3/4" slugs out of it.

I got .682 on the bore diameter and the barrell end thickness is .082

 

[dave29]

I got .682 on the bore diameter and the barrell end thickness is .082

I would have to look it up, but I think that is a full choke dimension. That's probably why he said not to shoot slugs thru it.


EDIT: That's definitely a full choke.

 

[devildawg00311]

I want to buy a shotgun, but I can't decide between a smooth or rifled barrel. I understand that a rifled barrel will help extend slug accuracy.

What does rifling do for buckshot or birdshot?
What's your favorite kind of barrel?
Also, would 20 gauge be OK for deer hunting and home defence?

I will be shooting small game and varmits, the occasional clay targets, and paper targets. I don't hunt, but I want the capability to hunt deer if I ever decide to start hunting in the future.

I prefer using a combination barrel. Its good for buck and slug.

 

[hiram762]

Personally, I think the smooth barrel is best. They are more adaptable than the rifled barrels. Rifled is pretty much only good for shooting slugs when you are deer hunting. You can get rifled slugs for the smooth barrel. So, why, pay more for a rifled barrel, for only one purpose??

 

[latj]

I agree with all that's been said, the only thing I might add is that the only real answer is you're gonna need more than one shotgun...3, maybe 4

 

[snaresman]

I would buy a combo with a rifled deer barrel and a smoothbore barrel.

 

[Win1300]

Smooth bore with every choke available! Then you can hunt any thing, id advise getting around a 26in barrel so you can deer hunt and still not be overly long for home protection.