AO Review: The Best Shotguns for Deer Hunting in 2024
Travis Olander 01.19.24
Do you live in a shotgun-only state when it comes time to bag some bucks? Many states that previously demanded shotguns be used for deer hunting have legalized rifles for field work. But some states still restrict stuff – and even if you live in a rifle-friendly state, maybe you’re just stuck on using slugs. Here is our list of the BEST Shotguns that you can bring into the field with you for whitetail deer hunting in 2024 and beyond.
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Winchester SX4 Cantilever Buck (Best Semiauto)
- Barrel Length: 22″
- Overall Length: 43″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:28
- Magazine Capacity: 3 (2.75″ shells)
- Caliber(s): 12 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 7.5 lbs
- MSRP: $1,080
Winchester says not to “try to turn to your duck gun into a buck gun” and, well, that’s why they’ve made the Cantilever Buck: It’s a quality, dedicated rifled slug gun made for taking deer – one of the most affordable rifle semiautomatics, in fact. TRUGLO fiber optic irons provide good sighting out of the box, with an integrated Weaver rail for mounting your favorite glass.
The Cantilever’s self-adjusting valve system ensures you can easily cycle 2.75″ and 3″ rounds while maintaining low felt recoil, while the drop-out trigger group makes for easy cleaning. The Cantilever also provides an ambidextrous safety and a serious of stock spacers for dialing in your stock to get the perfect cheek weld with good length of pull. Coupled with good ergonomics and a molded forend, the Cantilever provides comfort and accuracy for a few dollars less than most other semiauto shotguns on the market.
TarHunt RSG (Best Performance/Accuracy)
- Barrel Length: 23″
- Overall Length: 43″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:23 (20 ga), 1:30 (16 ga), 1:28 (12 ga)
- Magazine Capacity: 2
- Caliber(s): 12, 16, 20 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 7.25 to 8.75 lbs
- MSRP: $3886
The RSG from TarHunt barely resembles a shotgun. In fact, any passerby at the local range wouldn’t think twice that this is just another bolt-action rifle. That’s because it practically is a rifle in form, function, and accuracy. Developed over a span of forty years by Randy Fritz, the founder of TarHunt, the McMilland stocked, glass bedded RSG represents years upon years of refinement to achieve sub-MOA accuracy at hundreds of yards. This performance can only be achieved by incorporating custom barrels from E.R Shaw, turned precisely and dialed in with twist rates specific to each gauge. Inside the stock rests a custom Jewell trigger with a 2.5-lb pull working in tandem with a two-lug control feed. The action’s drilled and tapped for Leupold or Weaver bases, with optional scope rings available for $75. These guns are made to order, so plan accordingly in advance of the next season.
Remington 870 Express Combo (Best Bang Per Buck)
- Barrel Length: 20″ (rifled), 26″ smoothbore
- Overall Length: 43.25″ (rifled), 49.25″ (smoothbore)
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:36 (20 ga), 1:24 (12 ga)
- Magazine Capacity: 4 (2.75″ shells)
- Caliber(s): 12, 20 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 8 lbs
- MSRP: $540
Of course the 870 would make the list. Its crisp trigger, smooth action, available 3″ or 3.5″ Super Mag feed, and ergonomic stock and forend make it the perfect pump gun for deer hunting. The Express package is one of Remington’s best deals, too, providing both a smoothbore and rifled barrel, so you’re not stuck dedicating an otherwise specialty shotgun to just one task. And coming at well under $600, it’s a perfect budget option. Already own an 870 Fieldmaster or Express? Make it easier – grab a rifled barrel and slap it on your Remington, and you’re ready to slug some trophies.
Ithaca Deerslayer III (Best Accurate Pump Action)
- Barrel Length: 26″
- Overall Length: 43.6″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:24 (20 ga), 1:28 (12 ga)
- Magazine Capacity: 4 (3″ shells)
- Caliber(s): 12, 20 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 6.75 lbs
- MSRP: $1,400 – $1,950
The Deerslayer III’s the latest iteration of Ithaca’s long-running line of bottom-ejecting RSGs. Its massive heavy barrel now comes fluted to reduce weight without sacrificing accuracy, and its trigger’s been tuned to provide a lighter, crisper pull at 4 to 6 lbs. The one-piece action, gold plated trigger, and beautiful A to AAA-grade walnut furniture make the Ithaca feel like a luxury deer slugger when held, and it provides the performance and accuracy to live up to its name, advertising 2 MOA accuracy at 200 yards. Despite its massive barrel and stout accoutrements, the Deerslayer III keeps its curb weight at just under 10 pounds.
Winchester SXP Black Shadow Deer (Honorable Mention)
- Barrel Length: 22″
- Overall Length: 43″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:35 (12 ga), 1:28 (20 ga)
- Magazine Capacity: 4 (2.75″ shells)
- Caliber(s): 12, 20 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 6.2 lbs
- MSRP: $530
The SXP is essentially a stripped down SX4 Cantilever, providing a similar forend and stock, but reducing weight and significantly cutting costs by swapping the semiautomatic action for a pump. But you’re still getting TRUGLO fiber sights, a quick and smooth rotary bolt for faster follow-up shots, and the same “Inflex Tech” recoil pads as the SX4. The SXP’s 22″ barrel and 3″ chamber provide all the power and accuracy you need for a proper deer slugger, and the black chrome finish and drop-out trigger group turn rust and cleaning into no-fuss matters.
Savage 220 (Best Affordable Bolt Action)
- Barrel Length: 22″
- Overall Length: 43″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:24
- Magazine Capacity: 2
- Caliber(s): 20 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 7.3 lbs
- MSRP: $719
If you don’t have $4,000 (after taxes and fees) to drop the world’s best rifled slug gun, worry not. The Savage 220 provides plenty of accuracy in a svelte bolt action package that’s worthy of your antlered pursuits. The 220 get’s Savage’s awesome AccuTrigger, a button-rifled barrel, detachable box magazine, and a solid factory stock with AccuFit bedding, and an adjustable LOP and comb height for dialing in your cheek weld and sight picture. The 220 also comes from the factory with a low-profile Picatinny rail, making optic and ring install a breeze.
Mossberg 500 Slugster (Best “Cheap” Slug Gun)
- Barrel Length: 24″
- Overall Length: 43.5″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:36
- Magazine Capacity: 5 (2.75)
- Caliber(s): 12 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 6.8 lbs
- MSRP: $341
As part of their never-ending feud, Mossberg’s Slugster variant of the 500 series is the company’s answer to Remington’s Express and Fieldmaster variants in their 870 lineup. It’s built to be light, simple, and utilitarian – and it has a ridiculously budget-friendly price to match. At around $200 cheaper than the next most affordable rifled slug gun on this list, the Slugster is the best choice for pinching pennies in favor of spending more cash on camo, optics, and feed.
Henry 12-Ga. Break Action (Best Single-Shot)
- Barrel Length: 24″
- Overall Length: 39.5″
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:35
- Magazine Capacity: N/A
- Caliber(s): 12 Ga.
- Dry Weight: 6.9 lbs
- MSRP: $636
It doesn’t get any more primordial than the single-shot break action of a Henry rifled – or in this case, their take on an RSG. There’s really not much to say, here: It’s a classic take on modern rifled shotguns, providing an exposed hammer, fiber optic irons (it is tapped for a Weaver 82 mount), plenty of wood, and no active safety. It’s priced well and, in spite of the 24″ barrel, its simplicity helps to keep the dry weight under 7 pounds. The Henry makes for a dutiful field gun, with two sling studs mounted on the checkered Walnut forend and stock. When it comes to deer hunting, shells matter as much as the slug gun. Check out Hodgon’s new High Gun powder, make specifically for 12-gauge loads.
