beads on stock shotgun

[Reloader000]

Hey guys I have a maverick 88 12 gauge with two beads on the barrel . I want to use it for a deer hunt . Im not sure how to line up the two beads I know that for clay shooting you can use a figure 8 am I supposed to do the same while aiming at a deer ???My shooting distance should be max 50 yards or closer .

 

[Charliemac]

I would think it to be the same? I would take it to the range and practice.

 

[cmysix]

I would think it to be the same? I would take it to the range and practice.

Do you mean to take the gun to a shooting range and shoot it at a target from a known distance and see where the point of aim is at?............. BRILLANT!! Simply BRILLANT!!!!

 

[SSL]

Shotguns and slugs are worse than .22 LRs for each firearm liking a different load or brand. And of course there is the matter of differing chokes and such as well. There is no way of being able to judge where that slug will hit without testing. I assume by your description it wears a rib? Check online for sight packages that simply clamp onto your rib and adjust like any other sight while giving you a familiar sight picture. I had a set many years ago that included both rear and front sights and were adjustable, but I don't remember the brand.

 

[LiveFire]

If this is a gonna buy some slugs and go deer hunting kinda thing I would caution you. Like mentioned shotguns can be picky with slugs. Mine shoots brenneke ko slugs 1ft high and 6-8" left at 40yds. Same gun with federal truball groups them at 50yds dead on. Smoothbore ventrib barrel with bead sights. Goodluck on your hunt.

 

[Reloader000]

I would think it to be the same? I would take it to the range and practice.

hopefully this weekend I can find sometime to take it to the range

 

[Reloader000]

If this is a gonna buy some slugs and go deer hunting kinda thing I would caution you. Like mentioned shotguns can be picky with slugs. Mine shoots brenneke ko slugs 1ft high and 6-8" left at 40yds. Same gun with federal truball groups them at 50yds dead on. Smoothbore ventrib barrel with bead sights. Goodluck on your hunt.

Thanks for the info I wasn't aware how picky shotguns could be with slugs I have a bunch of sterling slugs hoping they shoot decen.

 

[Reloader000]

Shotguns and slugs are worse than .22 LRs for each firearm liking a different load or brand. And of course there is the matter of differing chokes and such as well. There is no way of being able to judge where that slug will hit without testing. I assume by your description it wears a rib? Check online for sight packages that simply clamp onto your rib and adjust like any other sight while giving you a familiar sight picture. I had a set many years ago that included both rear and front sights and were adjustable, but I don't remember the brand.

yup it has a rib unfortunately the location Ill be hunting is shotgun only . if not the trusty 308 win would of been my choice .

 

[SSL]

yup it has a rib unfortunately the location Ill be hunting is shotgun only . if not the trusty 308 win would of been my choice .

TRUGLO Pro-Series Magnum Gobble-Dot All-Metal Sights with Elevation Ramp for Ventilated Rib Guns, Full Windage and Elevation Adjustment​

Amazon...also has mounts to use a scope with ribs. Far better than guesswork with beads.

 

[LiveFire]

Thanks for the info I wasn't aware how picky shotguns could be with slugs I have a bunch of sterling slugs hoping they shoot decen.

Yea your best bet is to grab a few different kinds and head to the range. I wouldnt expect great accuracy at more than 50-75yds. You may get lucky and it shoots slugs like a laser. Does the 88 have removable chokes? Probably wont matter much because i believe most slugs for a smoothbore are to use cylinder bore choke or barrel. But like anything, if you have chokes try them. Is the top of the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope set up? Depending on your intended distance to shoot buckshot may be viable.

 

[Reloader000]

Yea your best bet is to grab a few different kinds and head to the range. I wouldnt expect great accuracy at more than 50-75yds. You may get lucky and it shoots slugs like a laser. Does the 88 have removable chokes? Probably wont matter much because i believe most slugs for a smoothbore are to use cylinder bore choke or barrel. But like anything, if you have chokes try them. Is the top of the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope set up? Depending on your intended distance to shoot buckshot may be viable.

Nope I would of added a red dot on it if it did. got a modified and full choke

 

[SSL]

Nope I would of added a red dot on it if it did. got a modified and full choke

I would try the modified choke first. I had an old SKB/Ithaca 900 modified choke that shot slugs like a rifle. Just enough squeeze to steady the slug.
Another thought...if you will be using this gun in the future as well, Mossberg 500 barrels are a direct swap with your 88 and you could either get an iron-sighted "slug" barrel or one with a cantilever for scope mounting.
@LiveFire also makes a very good point about trying various slugs. Not all slugs are created equal! My slug gun is a smooth bore (rather than today's rifled slug barrels) and is deadly with Activ deer slugs. Not made anymore, but I was lucky enough to lay in a case of them.

 

[Reloader000]

I would try the modified choke first. I had an old SKB/Ithaca 900 modified choke that shot slugs like a rifle. Just enough squeeze to steady the slug.
Another thought...if you will be using this gun in the future as well, Mossberg 500 barrels are a direct swap with your 88 and you could either get an iron-sighted "slug" barrel or one with a cantilever for scope mounting.
@LiveFire also makes a very good point about trying various slugs. Not all slugs are created equal! My slug gun is a smooth bore (rather than today's rifled slug barrels) and is deadly with Activ deer slugs. Not made anymore, but I was lucky enough to lay in a case of them.

 

[Reloader000]

Thanks man . I definitely will be getting a iron sighted barrel . I mostly use the shotgun for Turkey and ducks so haven't came around that yet.

 

[LiveFire]

Forgot to mention they make rifled chokes. I have read they can really increase accuracy but no first hand experience. Carlsons is one company making them.

 

[Uncle Bruce]

Forgot to mention they make rifled chokes. I have read they can really increase accuracy but no first hand experience. Carlsons is one company making them.

Be sure to check if the state regulations might say smooth bore Shotgun

 

[Rsadams]

The beads should be a figure 8 with the front bead on top... It ensures the gun is aligned properly and straight.... No need to change anything really.... Properly setup shotguns are a must.... Things like length of pull are absolutely necessary and need to be setup for you.... After the last three years shooting skeet and about 15,000 rounds down range I can tell you the way a shotgun fits you , the way it swings and the way you mount it and you put your head on the stock makes a huge difference.... Everything needs to be exactly the same everytime.... If the gun is setup properly you don't even need the sights.... For wing shooting sports anyway....

For what your doing you will have to go to the range and fire some rounds to find your POA to equal your POI... Then you need to use the exact same ammo on your hunt.... Get ready for some serious recoil with slugs... Buckshot will be easier to figure out but fifty yards is pushing it's limits for a clean kill , maybe more like 30-35 yards... Either way I see a trip to the range for you.. The 88 with the plastic furniture is a lite gun and with slugs like I said there's going to be recoil for sure but it's easily up to the task... Plenty of oil and some grease will be your friend... I use shotguns for more of a self defense role with buckshot and I can say the federal with the flight control wad really tightens things up... With slugs it's definitely a testing thing unless you have a dedicated slug gun with sites or a scope etc...