The shotgun slug enjoys an enviable reputation for its effect on targets. The problem is accuracy. Many shotgun and slug combinations are little, if any, more accurate than a quality handgun at 50 yards. The shotgun is much easier to use well, however, and most shooters are able to coax accuracy from a shotgun easier than a handgun. While there are exceptions, we wanted to look at accuracy with shotguns slightly upgraded over the typical defense shotgun. We found plenty of power, but effective accuracy is only adequate for most uses. Just the same, adequate is pretty good when it comes to slug accuracy versus what most shooters are able to achieve with a handgun, and slugs are effective far past the range at which buckshot has lost its pattern and efficiency.
