Are Slugs Underrated?

Published on April 17, 2026
Duration: 22:04

This video, a "Throwback Thursday" revisiting an older "slugfest" with the Mossberg 590 A1, demonstrates the effectiveness and surprising accuracy of 1 oz. Foster slugs fired from a smoothbore, cylinder-bore shotgun. Hickok45 highlights their utility as a "poor man's rifle" for hunting and defensive applications, showcasing their impact on various targets and discussing their ballistic properties. The video emphasizes that even with a simple bead front sight, accurate shooting is achievable at moderate ranges, challenging common misconceptions about slug performance in smoothbore barrels.

Quick Summary

Hickok45 demonstrates that 1 oz. Foster slugs fired from a smoothbore, cylinder-bore Mossberg 590 A1 shotgun offer surprising accuracy and significant power, making them a viable 'poor man's rifle' for hunting and defense at moderate ranges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Throwback Thursday & Mossberg 590 A1
  2. 00:52Pump Shotgun & 1 oz Slugs
  3. 01:10Sponsor Mentions
  4. 01:39Slug Time in Tennessee
  5. 02:34Mossberg 590 A1 with Bayonet
  6. 03:13Slugfest Chapter 2
  7. 03:55Gong Shooting
  8. 04:17Shotgun as a 'Poor Man's Rifle'
  9. 05:06Bead Front Sight Accuracy Test
  10. 05:18Hitting Red Plates
  11. 06:10Amazing Accuracy with Bead Sight
  12. 06:18Foster Slugs & Smoothbore Barrels
  13. 06:27Smoothbore vs. Rifled Barrel Discussion
  14. 07:231 oz Slugs: Big Lead, Lots of Energy
  15. 07:44Water Jug Ballistics Test
  16. 08:29More Target Destruction
  17. 08:58My New Rifle: Shotgun Slugs
  18. 09:05Slugfest: A Slug Party
  19. 09:34Shotgun as an Alternative to Rifles
  20. 10:32Back to the Red Plate
  21. 10:54Misses Due to Holding Low
  22. 11:25Grouping Capability of Slugs
  23. 11:46Love a Good Shotgun
  24. 11:50Mossberg vs. Remington 870
  25. 12:06Full Magazine for Cinder Block
  26. 12:33What Else Needs Shooting?
  27. 12:55Back to the Gong
  28. 13:02Selling AR-15s for Shotguns?
  29. 13:20Scheduling Future Slugfests
  30. 13:40Power of Big Slugs
  31. 13:46Bayonet Reattachment Reminder
  32. 14:02Smoothbore Shotgun Performance
  33. 14:26Amazed by Slug Accuracy in Smoothbores
  34. 15:13Accuracy from Smoothbore Muskets
  35. 15:52Shotgun Slugs Do Really Well
  36. 16:0111 Years Ago: Free Slugs
  37. 16:11Buying Lots of Ammo & Slugs
  38. 16:44Ammo Can Full of Slugs
  39. 17:29Shooting Lots of Slugs
  40. 17:40Fun Messing Around with Bayonets
  41. 17:55The Feeling of Fixing a Bayonet
  42. 18:36Interesting to Put Bayonets On
  43. 18:59Big Caliber Firearm & Shotgun Slugs
  44. 19:11Shotgun Slugs as an Artillery Piece
  45. 19:31Practical Application: Hunting vs. Plinking
  46. 19:40Giant Slug Goes Through Many Things
  47. 20:04Nice Artillery Piece & Pump Shotgun Staple
  48. 20:19Excited About Slugfest Videos
  49. 20:37Recoil and Slugs
  50. 20:45New Shotgun from Davidson's
  51. 21:02Looking Forward to Another Slugfest
  52. 21:13Slamming Big Lead into Animals
  53. 21:21Serious Shooters Like Big Lead
  54. 21:47Hope You Enjoyed the Slugfest
  55. 21:57See You Next Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Are slugs accurate in smoothbore shotguns?

Yes, slugs can be surprisingly accurate in smoothbore, cylinder-bore shotguns, especially at moderate ranges. While not matching rifle precision, they offer effective accuracy for hunting and defensive purposes, often exceeding expectations.

What is the effective range of shotgun slugs?

While the video focuses on moderate ranges up to 80 yards, the speaker mentions having previously tested shotgun slugs at distances up to 230 yards, demonstrating their potential for longer-range effectiveness.

Why are shotgun slugs considered a 'poor man's rifle'?

Shotgun slugs are considered a 'poor man's rifle' because they offer significant power and range, making them suitable for hunting and defense in situations where a rifle might be unavailable or prohibited, effectively bridging the gap in capability.

What type of slugs are used in the Mossberg 590 A1 video?

The video primarily features 1 oz. Foster slugs, which are rifled and designed for use in smoothbore shotgun barrels. These slugs deliver substantial energy and are effective for various shooting applications.

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