Noob with slug question

[Schlyme]

So I just picked up a few shotguns about a month apart and was wondering a few things
First: Do you need a rifled barrel for shooting slug ammo, or can you shoot it from a shot barrel?

What I have, Mossberg 590A1 and 930 JM Pro. The JM has choke tube. If it is possible to shoot slugs from a smooth bore, is it recommended to take out the choke tube? If so, how do you protect the threads? On the 590A1 I thought I read the barrel has some sort of choke integral to the barrel. Do I recall correctly and if so, is it safe or not to shoot slugs out of her?

Thanks for any and all help.

[BigBamBoo]

If shooting sabot slugs you will get the most accuracy from a "slug barrel", i.e, a rifles barrel. But you can still shoot them in a smooth bore.
With standard slugs they are made for smooth bore barrels.

NEVER shoot your shotgun without a choke tube in it. You can destroy the threads for the choke.

I personally would not shoot slugs with a tighter choke then modified. That being said sometimes slugs will shoot better with a tighter choke.
You need to go out and shoot and see what each gun likes the best.

Take care,Stan

[Schlyme]

thanks Stan! I was reading up on line and found some info there too saying basically the same thing!

[chayden]

I believe there are chokes specifically for shooting slugs if you have a smooth bore. They have a rifle grooves to impart some spin to the slug to increase accuracy.
I'm not sure if it's the tactical choke that had it.
The Trulock choke website has one that's bound to be what you need.

[CK_32]

Smoother bore you buy and shoot rifles slugs they have rifling on the slug it self to cause twist.

Rifles barrel you shoot I forgot the name but non rifles slugs.

And don't shoot with out your chokes in but google the chokes that are ok to shoot with slugs. There are a couple right chokes that will cause damage shooting a slug. I believe the 18" barrel is not choked but is just a calander bore barrel. If you have the combo/SPX

[nothing4u]

Smoother bore you buy and shoot rifles slugs they have rifling on the slug it self to cause twist.

Brenneke and Foster. I would not use anything tighter than IC.

Rifles barrel you shoot I forgot the name but non rifles slugs.

Sabots. There are extended rifle chokes that will let you get more out of sabots without investing into a new barrel.

[MAC USMC]

Some good advice here. I have shot Remington 870 shotguns for many years and they just keep getting better. I purchased different barrels (four) and use them exclusively for their designed purpose. I have one for quail and dove, a longer one for ducks and geese, a rifled slug barrel, one for 00 buckshot and a shorter version for "home defense".

Having different barrels is like owning several 12 guage shotguns, but it is much cheaper and very functional. I am always amazed at the accuracy of the slug barrel. CAUTION: Not wise to shoot RIFLED SLUGS in a rifled barrel. Such barrels were designed for the smooth slugs like Remington's.