Not to sound critical but I would have expected tighter groups too with a Hastings barrel and sabot slugs.
That is something we seem to be missing though are posted longer range targets. I hear stories and read posts of stellar long range accuracy with slugs but see few posted targets.
I am wondering just what the accuracy level is and how repeatable. I have shot some pretty tight groups out to 100 yards with round balls from smoothbore but not repeatably by any means so meaningless if they aren't predictable and repeatable.
I'll have to see what is available in the way of solid single shots for my "shooting" gun and possibly a Savage bolt gun. I'll also look at weight because I have no intention of being slapped silly with recoil when I want to shoot for fun or accuracy. If I can't find a used H&R USH then I have to look at options and adding weight most likely. That is one of the reasons the Remington Super Slug came into the conversation... it has a heavy barrel and it is pinned but the gun is pricey unless I can find a used one. Adding weight to a stock is doable, if it is wood anyway, not sure about synthetic. Not sure about clamp on barrel weights? They'd be easy enough to make but not sure how they might affect accuracy and whether recoil would cause sliding. A bull barrel would be much better. I don't mind weight if it helps with the recoil.
As for the bear gun, really the opposite. It can be smoothbore, should be light and easy to carry, short enough to be handy but I don't want one of these 14" barrel things, 18 1/2" is short enough, it can be loose as long as it works every time. If I go new the Mossberg 500 is a definite contender. I'd like a reliable pump gun but a good double barrel gun is still on the list too.
It seems most of the rifled Mossbergs have long barrels and scope mounts. Not suitable for bear guns and likely not top notch accuracy for a shooting gun. A cut down Mossberg barrel with open sights might be decent for double duty but I'd bet accuracy wouldn't compare to a Savage or good single shot.
I'll have to check around and see who has what I can try. Its always good to try before buying.
Longbow