Choice to make before Deer Season

[graywolf]

Most of you probably know I been using a 410 shotgun with slugs, specifically the Rossi lever action, for my deer hunting last few years. Well, that's one of my guns I've passed down the line. Now I got to decide which of these 3 I'll use starting this season. The Rossi single shot 410 Turkey, the Mossberg pump 410 Turkey, or the Henry 410X. Unless one of them really stands out shooting slugs its going to be a tough choice. I like all 3.

Don

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I would never take a 410 to the deer woods. Get a decent centerfire rifle or a bigger shotgun with slugs.....I've saw penetration test on wood with 410 slugs. Not good and not very accurate.........You owe it yourself and the deer.

[Sir Henry]

I agree in theory. However if your track record is good then stick with it. Just because I can’t get close enough to a deer to humanely harvest it that doesn’t mean you can’t.

Do think about the higher calibers though. A 30-30 is not all that expensive and greatly increases your possibilities.

[Vaquero]

Like you've said before, keeping your shoots under 50 yds. you've had good success.
I would shoot all three and whichever groups the best consistently would be my choice.

I myself if hunting where the average shot will be under 50 yds. I'd be carrying at least one of the pistol caliber rifles.
Good luck to you sir.

RP

[graywolf]

I understand everyone's thinking. I could get one of my deer rifles back from grandkids if I really wanted to. My first deer Rifle was a 30-06. Son has it. Went down from there. .260, .243, then .223. I only hunt here and these woods are thick. My stands are set up where I can't shoot one over 25-30 yards. If I was missing, or wounded them, I would quit in a heartbeat. I used to keep lanes bushhogged for deer hunting, but haven't been able to keep them cut lately. My longest shot on a deer here has only been about 85 yards. My Rossi lever grouped the Winchester slugs in 3 inches at 25 yds. If one of these will do that, I will feel good about it.

[daytime dave]

I'm rooting for the Henry myself. I hope that they all group well for you and you get a nice deer this year.
I have too many choices myself. I need to get to shoot a couple to see which one I'll use this fall too.

Good luck with the testing.

[Hatchdog]

Is the Henry X a 3” chamber? My wood stocked 410 is only 2.5”. I vote for the Henry just because we’re talking about it here.

[markiver54]

More important than caliber is shot placement.

[Vaquero]

Is the Henry X a 3” chamber? My wood stocked 410 is only 2.5”. I vote for the Henry just because we’re talking about it here.

The X is 2.5" only as is most lever action 410's.
So I'd take the Mossy, with a 3" slug.

RP

[graywolf]

Yep, 2-1/2". I agree on shot placement. I'm leaning towards the Henry, but I got to get a peep sight for it. Already have a peep on other two. I got til weekend before Thanksgiving to get one ready.

[Vaquero]

That's the same weekend our reg gun season opens.
Good luck again, will be lookin forward to successful hunt photo.

RP

[graywolf]

Thanks. Oldest Grandson coming over to get some meat out of freezer. Usually put 2-3 in freezer every year, but my wife has got to where she has problems eating deer meat. So think I'm gonna just shoot 1 this season.

[Travlin]

When you cook the venison, mix a little beef fat in with it.

[BrokenolMarine]

I just bought Miss T a Mossberg 500 410 pump to use around the farm. 3" slugs cycle fine and the 24" barrel with twin beads should be accurate. We have been waiting for temps to drop below 100 so she can shoot it. It's legal for deer, but I can't eat it and she will likely just use it for Yotes. On reading the reviews, they are said to be great little deer guns.

[graywolf]

It's just been too hot to do much shooting here also. I bet she will like that 410.

[BrokenolMarine]

It's just been too hot to do much shooting here also. I bet she will like that 410.

She has a mossberg defender pump, with the short barrel and broomhandle forend. I bought her the longer barrel for slugs and varmints and vermin as well as hunting if she chooses to now and then. She hunted deer for years, but not lately.

[graywolf]

A little late now but looks like I started something I didn't finish. Especially since deer season been out over a month. But I already had peep sight on the Rossi single shot and was using it for squirrels. So I checked it first with the slugs at 25 yards, and I didn't have to adjust the sights. Since it was on, I didn't even sight in the mossy or Henry. Plus I didn't have to many slugs. Next season I plan to use the Henry more.