I agree with glg above. If your potential shots with a slug gun are going to be over 100 yards, definitely go with the rifled barrel. IF your shots are going to be less than 100 yards then another consideration that is important to me comes into play; most smooth bore slug barrels are well within "minute of angle of deer" with a favored brand of slug ammo at ranges less than 100 yards, AND the short smooth bore barrel can be left on the shotgun for a very good home defense weapon. So, take a look at your hunting area and the choice will follow. ........... Big Cholla