I put up with slugs in Ohio for over 50 yrs. We were always after
the edge. When Ohio deer season was first in, not many guys
had slug guns. They didn't become wide spread until 60s. We
began experimenting with cutting down guns and mounting sights & scopes. A good smooth bore slug gun will shoot into
3" at 100yds. The best out of the box gun was the Ithaca 37
Deer Slayer. Then the Rem 870-1100 & Brn A5. We found that
various guns we cut down would shoot as well or better than the
factory models. We cut Auto, pump, bolt and single barrels. The
solid frame guns were the best performers if you were going to
scope. Iron sights they all did well.

We were heavy into slugs year round. Shooting at matches and
constantly playing with them for next season. I have 870,1100
factory guns but the one I use is a cut down BRN A5 with iron
sights. Shooting Brenneke 23/4" mag slugs it will do under 3"
consistanly off rest. I cleaned house at slug matches with it
until rifled barrels and scopes were allowed.

In my neck of the woods most deer are shot in the thick stuff at
under 100yds. I have shot quite a few deer and have only shot
3 much over 100yds. I've had rifled guns but wasn't going to
give up my favorite gun when it was doing the job. So a smooth
bore is all you need for woods hunting deer. I will probably not
use a slug gun again since we got rifle. If you don't have to use
slugs I would be using a rifle.