Rifleman Q&A: Loads For A Deerslayer

by
posted on October 15, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
1951-vintage Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 20-ga. pump-action shotgunn left-side view drawing
Photo courtesy of American Rifleman archives.

Q. I have a classic, 1951-vintage Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 20-ga. pump-action shotgun with a 2 3/4" chamber and a 2 3⁄8"-chambered smoothbore Deerslayer barrel for use with slugs. Are there factory 2 3/4" buckshot loads that have shot sizes larger than No. 3?


A. Please be aware that your Ithaca Model 37’s Deerslayer barrel is made to shoot only Foster-style rifled slugs, not sabot-style slugs. Sabots are made exclusively for use in barrels with cut rifling, not a smooth bore. Of the various smoothbore slug barrels, Ithaca Deerslayers are considered to be one of the very best in terms of accuracy.

Regarding buckshot, there are loads available with pellets larger than No. 3—from smallest to largest these include No. 1, 0 and 00. Of those, the 00 loads are the most prevalent. However, of all the pellet sizes, 00s are the most unreliable as far as pattern density is concerned, so it is best to use them at short ranges only. Because of their downrange characteristics, manufacturers recommend using buckshot only with full-choked barrels.

Latest

North South Skirmish Association 1
North South Skirmish Association 1

Roar of the Muskets: The North-South Skirmish Association

The North-South Skirmish Association keeps Civil War history alive through competition shoots using Civil War-era arms at its Fort Shenandoah home base, as well as at regional shoots across the country.

Interest in Gunsmithing Grows as Potential AI Safe Haven

We’re told AI could eventually eliminate every job, and the trades will just be the last to go. But a pair of experts dedicated to training gunsmiths have a different opinion on the fate of their graduates.

Pietta Re-Introduces Starr Revolver Models

Late last year, Pietta announced it would be re-introducing their Starr revolver in both its double-action and single-action form, and now, the guns are finally arriving stateside.

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.