Help... PLEASE

[OhioOutdoors]

Hello everyone, My name is Matt... I'm new to the site ( It is great by the way )... I've got a couple questions... I just got a new Marlin model 512 Slugmaster.. It's a 12 gauge fully rifled barrel, with a wood ( checkered ) rifle stock, magazine fed, Bolt action ( shoots 3 in slugs )... Everyone tells me this is a good gun.. I was just wondering what all it would be good for... A couple guys I know told me it would drop any game in America under 150 yds easily.. Is this true.. If not, what would it be good for ( all shots would be under 100 yrds )... I mainly want to use for deer, wild boar.. and maybe black bear and elk.... I will be shooting some handloaded slugs made by my friend who owns a gunshop, chronographed at 1,900 fps and 3,150 Ftlbs... Please give me your outlooks.. Thank you so much
Matt

 

[Speckmisser]

Welcome to the gang, Ohio!

That slugmaster should be fine for pretty much anything... but especially for hogs and deer. Keep the range tight, and put your shots where you want them, and you'll be hard pressed to find a better killing machine.

However, if you're spending some money to go hunt elk somewhere, go ahead and get a good 30-06 or better. That slug gun will sure kill one, but there are better options, and well worth the price when you compare that extra few hundred against the cost of an out-of-state elk hunt.

 

[Mel Carter]

Speck is right on as usual. A 12 guage slug has taken a many of deer and hogs. As long as the range isn't too far, it will do what you need and more. Elk on the other hand, the ranges can be way out there to the 300 yard mark, a 12 guage slug is going to loose a lot of energy at that distance, and accuracy. If you know all your shots are going to be at 100 yards or less, and you're comfortable with it, then give it a try. But for me, if I was going on an Elk hunt I would go with a good 30ca rifle.

Oh, and welcome to JHO!