If you’re hunting deer or hogs in thick cover or slug-only states, you already know the value of a good shotgun. But not every scattergun is up to the task. When you’re slinging slugs at 75+ yards, you need something that can handle the recoil, keep a tight group, and deliver repeatable accuracy. That’s where these purpose-driven slug shotguns come in. Rifled barrels, optics-ready receivers, and solid build quality aren’t optional—they’re the whole game. These models prove shotguns can stretch their legs when needed.
Mossberg 500 slugster
The Mossberg 500 Slugster has been a go-to for decades. It’s got a fully rifled barrel and a cantilever scope mount, which makes it easier to hold zero when you’re swapping barrels. You’ll find it in 12 or 20 gauge, with manageable recoil and decent out-of-the-box accuracy using sabots.
This isn’t a fancy gun, but it’s one that gets the job done every season. If you want something that’s proven in the field and won’t break the bank, it’s hard to argue with this workhorse.
Savage 220
The Savage 220 isn’t your typical slug gun. It’s a bolt-action 20-gauge with a rifled barrel and AccuTrigger. That bolt design gives it the kind of accuracy you usually expect from a rifle. Plenty of hunters use it confidently at 150 yards or more with quality sabots.
It’s a little pricier than some pump guns, but you’re paying for serious precision. If your deer stand sits on a field edge, this one gives you the reach to make it count.
Remington 870 with rifled barrel
The Remington 870 has probably filled more freezers than any other shotgun in America. Add a rifled barrel and a scope, and you’ve got a slug gun that can punch above its weight. The barrel swaps are quick, so you can keep this one versatile for different seasons.
It’s reliable, affordable, and easy to find parts for. Not the flashiest setup, but plenty accurate with sabots inside 100 yards. Some hunters stick with their 870s for life—and it’s easy to see why.
Ithaca DeerSlayer III
The DeerSlayer III is a purpose-built slug gun, and you can tell the second you pick it up. It’s got a heavy, fully rifled barrel that’s free-floated, like a precision rifle. This thing was built with accuracy in mind—150-yard shots aren’t a stretch if you pair it with the right load.
It’s a little heavier than your average pump, but that added weight soaks up recoil. If you want a high-end slug gun that’s built to shoot tight groups, the DeerSlayer is worth a look.
H&R Ultra Slug Hunter
The H&R Ultra Slug Hunter is a single-shot that punches above its price. It’s got a heavy rifled barrel, and the break-action design keeps things nice and tight. The simplicity helps with accuracy, and plenty of hunters swear by it for big-bodied bucks.
You only get one shot, but for careful hunters, that’s often enough. It’s not a fast follow-up gun, but it’s a solid option if you want a budget-friendly shooter that can ring steel at 100+ yards.
Benelli Super Black Eagle III Rifled
Benelli’s inertia-driven action is known for reliability, but the rifled version of the Super Black Eagle III adds long-range slug capability. This is a 3½-inch 12-gauge autoloader built to take punishment—and deliver it.
It’s pricey, no question. But the combination of speed, accuracy, and rugged build makes it a serious tool for slug hunters who cover a lot of ground. If you want a semi-auto that doesn’t compromise, this one checks the boxes.
Browning A-Bolt Shotgun Stalker
The A-Bolt Shotgun Stalker isn’t easy to find anymore, but if you come across one, grab it. It’s a rifled, bolt-action 12-gauge that was built like a rifle from the start. It cycles clean, mounts optics easily, and has a reputation for outstanding accuracy with sabots.
This one became a cult favorite among Midwestern deer hunters for a reason. If you’re chasing tight groups past 125 yards, this is the kind of platform that delivers.
Winchester SX4 Cantilever Buck
The Winchester SX4 Cantilever Buck is a semi-auto with a rifled barrel and an integrated cantilever mount. It’s ready for a scope right out of the box and built with the same gas system as Winchester’s field guns, which keeps recoil manageable.
You get fast follow-ups and consistent accuracy with premium slugs. It’s a good option if you want a hunting shotgun that balances range and comfort without going the full custom route.
CVA Hunter Compact Slug
This break-action single-shot has become a favorite for younger or smaller-framed hunters, but it punches way above its size. The CVA Hunter Compact has a 24″ rifled barrel and comes drilled and tapped for a scope.
It’s light, easy to handle, and surprisingly accurate with sabot slugs. For a budget option or a backup gun in tight spots, this one has earned its spot in more than a few deer blinds.
TarHunt RSG
If you’ve got the budget and want true rifle-level precision, the TarHunt RSG is one of the most accurate slug guns ever built. This 12-gauge bolt-action is built like a custom rifle and is made specifically for sabot slug hunting at long ranges.
It’s not cheap, but hunters who own one say it’s worth every penny. If you’re hunting open farmland or pushing your shots beyond 150 yards, the RSG is in a class of its own.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
