How many slugs?

[ASH556]

I'm finishing up my Benelli M1 and while 9 rounds of #1 buck is a nice thing to have, I'd like the option for some slugs too. I believe I'd prefer a forend band like I've seen used in 3gun to a side saddle, but I question if 2 slugs is enough.

Now, I'm a civilian and the likelihood that I'll need to use the shotgun to fight, let alone shoot slugs through it, is pretty low. Still, if carrying only 2 is stupid, I suppose I could consider a 6 round shotgun card. That's just upping the weight quite a bit and the gun runs well as it is...I don't want to overcomplicate things.

[theblackknight]

Get the PDX slug/buck combo. I just burned some today. Found at Walmart. At the longest distance possible in my dwelling(7y), the pattern looked like 2 slugs

sent from mah gun,using my sights

[merican]

I run all 3gungear shell carriers on my Benelli M4. Sturdy, efficient, and expendable. Velcro cards can be swapped out quickly and you could have several of them scattered throughout the house.

[BTL BRN]

I run all 3gungear shell carriers on my Benelli M4. Sturdy, efficient, and expendable. Velcro cards can be swapped out quickly and you could have several of them scattered throughout the house.

The ESSTAC cards are really handy, you might want to give them a look - 7 round capacity.

I don't use my shotgun as my primary HD weapon; but it is available if the need arises, currently I have two Brenneke slugs on a ESSTAC card. I don't anticipate needing slugs (penetrating hard cover, large animals); but they are still on stand-by if required.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

The ESSTAC cards are really handy, you might want to give them a look - 7 round capacity.

I don't use my shotgun as my primary HD weapon; but it is available if the need arises, currently I have two Brenneke slugs on a ESSTAC card. I don't anticipate needing slugs (penetrating hard cover, large animals); but they are still on stand-by if required.

Of course, the same can be said for the Ares Gear/Raven cards which are high quality as well and low profile with only 5 rounds.




As far as how many slugs: I run 9 Buckshot loaded in my M4, and 5 Slugs on the side saddle. I figure that covers me for any slug changeovers that may need to be done. My "truck gun" is my Benelli M4, not an AR, so I prefer to have longer distances covered.

[blade_68]

What's the intended use secondary HD, 3 gun? I'd just snag up a shell card as a spare load with slugs. Then if situation arrives needing slugs rip off buck card slap on slug card. Then just stuff in pouch/ pocket. I normally just have 00 buck on mine and have old school army shot shell pouch(s) with slugs and 00 buck on the sling not to tactical just stays with it. (I still need to go to the Velcro cards over sidesaddle.)
When I got my M3 it was to hunt with (1990) just rifle sights on barrel no combat sights

[Todd.K]

Why complicate things? The lug select drill looks cool on the range but I question it's practical use in a actual fight. If it's likely to be used around vehicles (like a trunk gun) or large bears are present, I'd just load all slugs.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

Why complicate things? The lug select drill looks cool on the range but I question it's practical use in a actual fight. If it's likely to be used around vehicles (like a trunk gun) or large bears are present, I'd just load all slugs.

Todd, that makes me think you dont have a lot of experience with the defensive shotgun. Those of us that use them in a patrol fashion and train with them can make a slug changeover happen very quickly and take longer ranged shots. Buckshot is one of the most violent rounds available, and is a very effective man stopper in the LE and HD realms. If you use your shotgun solely as a slug gun then why not sell it and get a carbine?

[26 Inf]

Todd, that makes me think you dont have a lot of experience with the defensive shotgun. Those of us that use them in a patrol fashion and train with them can make a slug changeover happen very quickly and take longer ranged shots. Buckshot is one of the most violent rounds available, and is a very effective man stopper in the LE and HD realms. If you use your shotgun solely as a slug gun then why not sell it and get a carbine?

Hello LSHD, my name is 26Inf and I'm a shotgunoholic.

Best reason to have the capability to use slugs out of a shotgun is, well, if you have your shotgun, you don't have your rifle.

We totally agree that ammo changeover is an essential skill for the LE/Mil/HD shotgunner IMHO.

About 12 years ago I was locked in on the shotgun because of it's versatility and I loudly poopoohed the first wave of patrol rifle adoption.

To directly answer your last statement, in those days I was primarily concerned with downrange danger areas.

I would prophesize that in an urban environment if you miss with a slug within about 2 city blocks it is skipping along the pavement, still a danger as a ricochet, but bleeding off energy quickly.

I would also note that the 55gr TAP round would have it's first skip at about 5 blocks and it would still be traveling at about the same velocity that the slug left the barrel.

Some naysayer would, of course, mention that the TAP wouldn't over penetrate and exit, I would in turn mention how comforting that would be to the survivor's family.

Thank goodness I got help.

[Canonshooter]

For me, Federal LE132 00 (reduced recoil, 9-pellet) 00 buck is the go-to load. Nice tight patterns with the FC wad, quick follow-up shots.

But I also consider slugs a necessity and carry two types in a belt-mounted carrier; (1) four rounds of Federal LE127 RS (reduced recoil), soft lead hollow point loads where greater precision with limited penetration is needed, and (2) two rounds of Brenneke Short Field Magnums (same as their Special Forces load) where I need to punch through hard stuff.

I'm comfortable with this selection and they all feed through my chopped 11-87 (see link in sig section) perfectly. I use a Maxpedition shoulder bag to carry more of the same if needed.